Effectiveness of Mind-Body Intervention on Stress, Anxiety, and Quality of Sleep Among Menopausal Women

Abstract

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life resulting from reduced ovarian function and declining oestrogen levels. Many women experience stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances during this period, especially those engaged in physically demanding or low-status occupations. Although mind-body interventions (MBIs) are increasingly explored, evidence on their structured use among Group D working women remains limited. Hence, the present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a MBI on stress, anxiety, and sleep among menopausal Group D working women. A quasi-experimental pretest-post-test control group design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of a MBI on stress, anxiety, and sleep quality among menopausal women in a selected university. Using non-probability purposive sampling, 84 participants were assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received a mind-body therapy that included yoga asanas, pranayama, meditation, and relaxation techniques. Data were collected using the perceived stress scale, generalized anxiety disorder scale, and Pittsburgh sleep quality index. Analysis was conducted with SPSS version 27, employing descriptive and inferential statistics. Participants in the intervention group showed a statistically significant decrease in stress and anxiety ( p <0.001) and a significant improvement in sleep quality ( p <0.001) compared to the control group, which showed no statistically significant changes ( p >0.05). Mind-body interventions are effective in reducing stress and anxiety, while also enhancing sleep quality.