Stress Reduction Training to Improve Sleep Quality, Stress Physiology & Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Markers

Exclusion Criteria

• •1. Younger than 18 years old/Older than 65
• •2. Asthma
• •3. Allergies
• •4. Arthritis
• •5. Autoimmune disease (Lupus)
• •6. Cancer
• •7. Cardiovascular disease, heart attack, or atherosclerosis
• •8. Diabetes or High Blood Sugar (\>124 mg/dl)
• •9. Hypertension or high blood pressure (140/90 mmHg)
• •10. High cholesterol (\>240 mg/dl)
• •11. Obesity (Body Mass Index \>30)
• •12. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• •13. Mitral Valve Prolapse, or Heart Murmurs
• •14. Irregular Menstrual Cycles (Peri-Menopause Excluded. Menopause may be included.)
• •15. Skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis (acne may be included)
• •16. Sleep Apnea
• •17. Depression, anxiety, substance use, or any other mental health diagnosis
• •18. Sleep aids like Tylenol PM or Ambien on a regular basis
• •19. Medication for allergies or asthma on a regular basis
• •20. Aspirin or baby Aspirin on a regular basis
• •21. Oral contraceptives or birth control (women only)
• •22. Hormone Replacement Therapy
• •23. Flu shot within past 3 weeks
• •24. Underweight (BMI \< 18.5)
• •25. Current smoker
• •26. \>1 alcoholic drink/day (women)/ \>2 alcoholic drinks/day (men)
• •27. Hospitalized within the last 3 months
• •28. Treated for any infections within the last 3 months
• •29. Current meditation practice \>1x/month
• •30. Previously taken a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course
• •31. Participation in any other research studies in the past year that involved drugs or taking blood
• •32. Recently donated blood. (500 cc's in last 8 wks)