IMPACT OF YOGASANA AND BHRAMARI PRANAYAMA ON SLEEP QUALITY AMONG EPILEPSY PATIENTS
Vinay Kumar, Divyansh Jain, Sonu Singh
International Journal of Integrative Health and Mind-Body Medicine June 30, 2026 DOI: 10.65370/vsbnvw49 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Quantitative experimental single-group pre-test/post-test Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 35 |
| Population | Epilepsy patients aged 18-50 years |
| Interventions | Yogasana Bhramari Pranayama |
| Duration | Two months |
| Measures | Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) |
| Topics | Breathwork |
| Keywords | Epilepsy Sleep system call Epworth sleepiness scale Sleep quality Sleep disorder Neurological disorder Physical therapy |
| Key findings | Yogasana and bhramari pranayama significantly improved sleep quality in epilepsy patients, with mean Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores dropping from 14.20 to 9.54 (about 32.81% improvement) and standard deviation decreasing from 3.10 to 2.80. |
Abstract
Background: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder frequently associated with sleep disturbances, which can worsen seizure activity and reduce overall quality of life. Non-pharmacological approaches such as Yogasana and Bhramari Pranayama have gained attention for their potential to improve sleep through relaxation, autonomic regulation, and mental stability.
Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of Yogasana and Bhramari Pranayama on sleep quality among epilepsy patients.
Methods: A quantitative experimental design with a single-group pre-test and post-test approach was adopted. A total of 35 epilepsy patients aged 18–50 years were selected using a convenient sampling method from clinics and hospitals. Baseline sleep quality was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Participants then underwent a supervised intervention consisting of yogasana and bhramari pranayama for two months. Post-intervention assessment was conducted using the same tool. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.
Results: The results showed a significant improvement in sleep quality following the intervention. The mean sleep score decreased from 14.20 (pre-test) to 9.54 (post-test), indicating a reduction in sleep disturbances. The standard deviation also decreased from 3.10 to 2.80, reflecting improved consistency. The calculated t-value (t = 7.04, p < 0.01) indicated a statistically highly significant difference. An overall improvement of approximately 32.81% in sleep quality was observed.
Conclusion: The study concludes that yogasana and bhramari pranayama significantly improve sleep quality among epilepsy patients. These practices enhance relaxation, reduce stress, and promote autonomic balance, making them effective and safe complementary therapies. Further research with larger samples and controlled designs is recommended.
Comparable studies
Other experimental studies on breathwork, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evaluation of the breathworks mindfulness‐based pain management programme: effects on well‐being and multiple measures of mindfulness Chronic pain patients | 2009 | Pilot investigation; quasi-experimental with intervention and comparison groups | |
| Neural Correlates of Non-ordinary States of Consciousness in Pranayama Practitioners: The Role of Slow Nasal Breathing Experienced meditators | 2022 | Within-subjects comparison | n = 12 |
| Measure of Significance of Holotropic Breathwork in the Development of Self-Awareness. Participants referred from Danish Holotropic Breathwork facilitators, including 9... | 2015 | Quasi-experiment with multiple case studies and repeated measures | n = 20 |
| An Effectiveness of Holotropic Breathwork on Stress Management among Higher Secondary Students in Selected Schools of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh Higher secondary students at Sardar Patel Intermediate College, Mandhana, Kanpur, India | 2026 | Quasi-experimental study | n = 60 |
| A Study To Assess The Effectiveness Of Video Assisted Pranayama On Stress Among Students Of Selected College In Chennai College students at Saveetha College of Engineering, Chennai | 2026 | True experimental research design | n = 100 |