Vibration Mat for Insomnia

Overseen By Marcelo Bigliassi, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Florida International University

Must not be taking: Beta-blockers, Antiarrhythmics, Sedative-hypnotics, Antidepressants

Disqualifiers: Implanted devices, Hypertension, Substance dependence, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 3 weeks

50 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether a gentle, vibrating mat (low-frequency whole-body vibration mat) can improve stress recovery, sleep quality, mood, and attention. Researchers aim to determine if regular use of this mat over three weeks can increase heart rate variability (a sign of better stress recovery) and enhance sleep and mood compared to not using the mat. Participants will be divided into two groups: one using the mat and the other resting quietly, with both groups tracking heart rate and feelings. Ideal participants are healthy adults who can lie down for 15 minutes and are willing to follow study rules, such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol before lab visits. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance well-being.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

Yes, you may need to stop taking certain medications, especially those that affect heart function or sleep, like beta-blockers or sedatives, as they are excluded from the trial.

What prior data suggests that this vibration mat is safe for use in healthy adults?

Research has shown that low-frequency whole-body vibration, such as that from the vibration mat used in the trial, is generally safe. Studies have found that these mats' vibration levels are safe for up to eight hours a day, according to international guidelines.

While whole-body vibration can pose risks for individuals with certain health issues, the trial screens participants to ensure they are healthy and do not have unstable conditions. This screening helps reduce any risks.

Overall, healthy adults typically tolerate the vibration mat well, with no major problems reported in similar studies. To be extra cautious, individuals should consult their doctor if they have any health concerns before joining a trial involving vibration therapy. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the vibration mat for insomnia because it offers a unique, non-pharmacological approach to improving sleep. Unlike standard insomnia treatments, which often include medications like benzodiazepines or cognitive-behavioral therapy, this method uses low-frequency whole-body vibration to potentially enhance relaxation and improve heart rate variability (HRV). This innovative approach could provide a natural, side-effect-free alternative to traditional treatments, potentially leading to faster and more sustainable improvements in sleep quality.

What evidence suggests that this vibration mat is effective for improving sleep and stress recovery?

This trial will compare the effects of a low-frequency whole-body vibration mat with a quiet rest control. Studies have shown that vibration therapy can aid sleep and stress recovery. Participants in the active vibration group will use a mat that gently vibrates, potentially improving heart rate variability (HRV), which indicates better stress management. Users of similar vibration mats have reported improved sleep and mood. Early research also suggests these mats can help with anxiety and focus. These findings offer hope that using the mat could lead to noticeable benefits for sleep and stress management. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for healthy adults aged 18-45 who are interested in testing a low-frequency vibration mat's effects on stress recovery, sleep quality, mood, and attention. Participants must be willing to attend two lab visits and follow the study protocol over three weeks.

Inclusion Criteria

I am cleared for gentle whole-body vibration therapy.

I am between 18 and 45 years old.

Able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

Current substance dependence

Unwillingness to refrain from initiating new structured exercise or relaxation programs during the study period

Implanted electronic medical devices (e.g., pacemaker, neurostimulator)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants use a low-frequency kinetic wellness mat or engage in quiet rest for 3 weeks, with HRV and EEG measurements taken.

3 weeks

2 lab visits (in-person), multiple home sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in heart rate variability, sleep quality, mood, and stress after the treatment phase.

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Low-frequency whole-body vibration mat

Trial Overview Researchers are studying if using a vibrating wellness mat can improve heart rate variability (HRV), sleep, mood, stress levels, and anxiety compared to not using it. The study involves an Experimental group using the mat at home and a Control group without the mat.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Active Vibration (Kinetic Wellness Mat) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants use a low-frequency kinetic wellness mat at home 3-4 days/week for 3 weeks. Each day includes a 15-minute supine session on the active mat while recording heart rate variability (HRV), plus 15-minute HRV recordings before bedtime and after waking on those same days. After each session and the next morning, participants complete brief affect check-ins (Self-Assessment Manikin: valence, arousal) and log caffeine/alcohol, exercise, and medications. All participants attend pre- and post-intervention lab visits for questionnaires, resting HRV/EEG, and a brief cognitive test (Trail Making Test). Open-label; schedule matched to control.

Group II: Quiet Rest Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants complete quiet supine rest at home 3-4 days/week for 3 weeks. Each day includes a 15-minute rest period without vibration while recording HRV, plus 15-minute HRV recordings before bedtime and after waking on those same days. After each session and the next morning, participants complete brief affect check-ins (Self-Assessment Manikin: valence, arousal) and log caffeine/alcohol, exercise, and medications. All participants attend pre- and post-intervention lab visits for questionnaires, resting HRV/EEG, and a brief cognitive test (Trail Making Test). Open-label; schedule matched to the experimental arm.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Florida International University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

114

Recruited

19,400+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07221318

Evaluating a Mat-Based Biometric Vibration System for ... After 3 weeks, does regular use of the vibrating mat increase heart rate variability (a noninvasive marker of the body's ability to recover from ...

2. trialx.com trialx.com/clinical-trials/listings/325507/evaluating-a-mat-based-biometric-vibration-system-for-sleep-and-daily-recovery/

Evaluating a Mat-Based Biometric Vibration System for ... After 3 weeks, does regular use of the vibrating mat increase heart rate variability (a noninvasive marker of the body's ability to recover from ...

3. trial.medpath.com trial.medpath.com/clinical-trial/7c117875845358f9/nct07221318-low-frequency-vibration-therapy-physiological-psychological-impact

Evaluating a Mat-Based Biometric Vibration System for Sleep and ... The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to learn whether a low-frequency "kinetic wellness" mat (a comfortable mat that gently vibrates) can improve ...

4. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-sleep-initiation-and-maintenance-disorders-9-2025-e913e

Vibration Mat for Insomnia Low-frequency whole-body vibration mat. Trial Overview Researchers are studying if using a vibrating wellness mat can improve heart rate ...

5. allclinicaltrials.com allclinicaltrials.com/study/NCT07221318

Evaluating a Mat-Based Biometric Vibration System ... The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to learn whether a low-frequency "kinetic wellness" mat (a comfortable mat that gently vibrates) can improve ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3688642/

Safety and severity of accelerations delivered from whole ... Depending on the WBV device, vibration ranged from levels considered safe by ISO-2631 for up to eight hours each day (0.3gp-p @ 30Hz), to levels that were seven ...

7. mayoclinic.org mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/whole-body-vibration/faq-20057958

Whole-body vibration: An effective workout? And because whole-body vibration can be harmful in some situations, check with your doctor before using it, especially if you're pregnant or have any health ...

8. melioguide.com melioguide.com/osteoporosis-treatment/can-you-use-vibration-plate/

Can You Use a Vibration Plate With a Medical Condition? However, the vibration intensities that Marodyne LIV delivers (0.4g, peak to peak, at 30Hz), are considered safe by ISO-2631 for exposures of ...