Delivering Integrative Restoration-Yoga Nidra Meditation (iRest®) to Women with Sexual Trauma at a Veteran's Medical Center: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Objective: This pilot study examines iRest, a form of guided mindfulness meditation, and its ability to reduce symptoms associated with sexual trauma, including military sexual trauma (MST), in a sample of women seeking psychotherapy services at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center. Methods: 90-minute sessions were held 19 times, twice a week for 10 weeks, except for the week with a holiday. Participants completed self-report measures Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI), Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory (PTCI), and the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Check List (PCL) pre- and post-treatment. Sixteen women were recruited: 15 enrolled, 5 dropped due to transportation issues, and 10 completed the protocol. Results: Completers reported significant decreases in symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PCL, t (9) = 3.17, p < 0.01, d = 0.66), negative thoughts of self-blame (PTCI t (9) = 2.96, p < 0.05, d = 0.52), and depression (BSI, t (9) = 2.33, p < 0.05, d = 0.64). Participants also offered verbal reports of decreased body tension, improved quality of sleep, improved ability to handle intrusive thoughts, improved ability to manage stress, and an increased feeling of joy. Participants also enthusiastically endorsed the class and stated they would take it again and recommend it to others. Conclusions: This small pilot study showed promising results for delivering iRest to women with sexual trauma in a VA medical center. Further research is warranted.

iRest Meditation for Older Adults with Depression Symptoms: A Pilot Study

“…47 In a study delivering iRest to women with sexual trauma, the program was found to decrease body tension and improve overall quality of sleep. 16,48 Pain severity improved in our study as well, trending toward significance. Other iRest studies have also found improvements in pain.…”

“…14 Small pilot studies with veterans have shown reduced rage, anxiety, and emotional reactivity; increased feelings of relaxation, peace, self-awareness, and self-efficacy 15 ; and significantly decreased depression, increased feelings of joy, and improved quality of sleep and ability to manage stress. 16 Although significant positive preliminary data have been collected on iRest, no studies have evaluated its ability to reduce depression symptoms in older adults.…”

Outcome of yoga nidra practice on various mental health problems and general wellbeing: a review study

“…16 Yoga nidra diminished stress and anxiety levels significantly 80 college students Military combat veterans reported alleviation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms like rage and anxiety and increased feelings of relaxation and peace after yoga nidra as a therapy. 13,17,18 The study revealed significant improvement in anxiety scores after six months of intervention with Yoga Nidra in intervention group in comparison to control group. Previous studies have also shown significant reduction in the quality anxiety scores following meditation and breathing exercises.…”

iRest Meditation for Older Adults with Depression Symptoms: 6-Month and 1-Year Follow-up

“…11 Other pilot studies, with veterans, have shown reduced rage, anxiety, and emotional reactivity; increased feelings of relaxation, peace, self-awareness, and self-efficacy 15 ; and significant d e c reases in depression, increased feelings of joy, and improved quality of sleep and ability to manage stress. 16 In a 2017 pilot study, we evaluated iRest for older adults with depression. 12 In a controlled trial, generally healthy adults, aged 55-90, with depression symptoms were randomized to receive a 2-day retreat of either iRest meditation training or vacation at EarthRise Retreat Center in Petaluma, California.…”