Effectiveness of Deep Breathing and Body Scan Meditation Combined with Music to Improve Sleep Quality and Quality of Life in Older Adults
Nitayapa Nanthakwang, Penprapa Siviroj, Anuchart Matanasarawoot, Ratana Sapbamrer, Peerasak Lerttrakarnnon, Ratanaporn Awiphan
The Open Public Health Journal June 1, 2020 DOI: 10.2174/1874944502013010232 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractAn eight-week daily practice of deep breathing and body scan meditation combined with music improved sleep quality and quality of life in older adults with poor sleep. The intervention group showed a significant decrease in global PSQI scores and an increase in PTQL scores, while the control group showed no change. Among PSQI components, daily disturbance improved significantly more than in controls, though sleep efficiency and perceived sleep quality did not differ between groups. PTQL domains all improved except the economic domain. The authors conclude that this combined intervention positively affects sleep and quality of life in older adults.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 59 |
| Population | Older adults with poor sleep quality |
| Interventions | deep breathing exercises body scan meditation music |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Key finding | A daily practice of deep breathing and body scan meditation combined with music significantly improved global sleep quality and quality of life in older adults, with a significant between-group difference in daily disturbance but not in sleep efficiency or perceived sleep quality. |
Abstract
Background: In older adults, physiological changes affect sleep and may cause impaired daily function and Reduced Quality of Life (QOL). This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of deep breathing exercises and body scan meditation combined with music to improve sleep quality and QOL. Methods: A randomized controlled trial with allocation concealment method was conducted. Fifty-nine older adults with poor sleep quality were recruited using block randomization to intervention and control groups. The intervention group was instructed to do deep breathing and body scan meditation while listening to music through Bluetooth speakers once a day for thirty minutes before sleeping, a daily practice to last for eight weeks. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Pictorial Thai Quality of Life (PTQL) were administered to both groups prior to the intervention and 8-week post-baseline of the intervention. Results: The global PSQI in the intervention group significantly decreased following the intervention, whereas the control group showed no difference. There was a decrease in individual PSQI components as well for the intervention group, namely, sleep efficiency, perceived sleep quality, and daily disturbance. The intervention group did not differ from the control group in sleep efficiency or perceived sleep quality, but there was a significant difference in the daily disturbance. Additionally, the total PTQL in the intervention group significantly increased between the two time periods, whereas there was no difference in the controls. The intervention group scored higher in each domain of PTQL, except for the economic domain. Conclusion: A daily practice of deep breathing and body scan meditation combined with music has a positive effect on improving sleep quality and QOL among older adults. Hence, this intervention should be implemented to improve sleep quality and promote QOL in older adults.