Sudarshan kriya yoga and its effects on sleep: A systematic review of a breathing technique for sleep improvement

A systematic review of nine studies found that Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), a rhythmic breathing technique taking about 30 minutes, improves sleep quality. Regular and more frequent practice was linked to better sleep in a cross-sectional study. However, two studies showed a return to baseline sleep patterns after a period. The review notes that the trials were small, lacked systematic controls, and some showed only temporary benefits, making a strong recommendation difficult. Further controlled, prospective research specifically measuring sleep quality with SKY is needed.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Context: This systematic review of the literature examines the published data on Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) and its effects on sleep. Aims: SKY is a rhythmic breathing technique consisting of four stages of breathing and takes approximately 30 min to complete. SKY has shown beneficial effects in anxiety reduction, well-being, stress reduction, and sleep. We performed a systematic review looking for evidence of SKY's effectivity on sleep quality. Methods: The review procedure followed the PRISMA methodology. Articles included in this review were identified using PubMed, Cochrane Review, and expert recommendation. The search terms used were SKY, Sudarshan Kriya, sleep, breathing, and meditation. Inclusion criteria required the article to use SKY with sleep as a measured outcome. Patients with psychiatric disorders were excluded. Nine articles were agreed upon by all authors for inclusion. Results: All nine studies showed some beneficial effects of SKY on sleep; however, return to baseline sleep patterns was noted in two of the studies. Sleep quality improved with the regular and more frequent practice of SKY in a cross-sectional study. Conclusions: SKY shows beneficial effects on sleep for participants who learn the technique. A strong recommendation is difficult to offer based on the small nature of the trials, lack of systematic controls, and some trials showing a return to baseline sleep quality, after a latent period. Further, investigation through controlled and prospective studies specifically designed to measure sleep quality with this technique is needed.