This is a market in a series on markets for possible quantified self experiments I might run.
Context here, in short: I will put up >10 of these markets, run the "best" one (my own judgment, but probably just the one with the highest expected Cohen's d), and a random one (resolving them to the outcome), and will resolve all the others as N/A. In all experiments, I will be using the statistical method detailed here, code for it here.
50 samples, taken after waking up, 25 intervention (25μg Vitamin D₃) and 25 placebo (sugar pills). Expected duration of trial: ~2½ months (taken ~every day, with possible pauses).
In general, by meditative absorption I mean the concentration/tranquility (in Buddhist terms samatha) during a ≥30 minute meditation session in the morning, ~45 minutes after waking up and taking the substance (less if the substance starts working immediately). I will be doing at least 15 minutes of anapanasati during that meditation session, but might start (or end) with another practice).
Past meditation data can be found here.
1,000Vitamin D3 has a lot of benefits, but I’ve never thought about its potential impact on meditative absorption. Since it plays a role in mood and cognitive function, I wouldn’t be surprised if it helps with focus and tranquility. The self-blinded RCT approach is a great way to remove bias, excited to see what kind of effect size you observe. On a related note, I was recently looking at Omega XL reviews for joint health, and now I’m wondering if omega-3s could also influence meditation quality. Have you considered testing other supplements?
@NiplavYushtun I'm still on this, sample collection has been slower due to things at $DAYJOB. Sorry about that, expect to finish by mid January.