Restoring Sleep Health in the Post-COVID Elderly with Comorbidities: Impact of Jacobson’s Relaxation Technique in Urban Puducherry
Keywords:
sleep disturbance, Covid, Jacobson’s Relaxation TechniqueAbstract
Background: Sleep disturbances are a common concern among the elderly, particularly those with comorbid conditions, and have been exacerbated in the post-COVID era. Restoring sleep health in this vulnerable population is essential for enhancing overall well-being and preventing further health deterioration.
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation (JPMR) technique in improving sleep quality among elderly individuals with comorbidities residing in selected urban areas of Puducherry. Methodology: A quasi-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted with 100 elderly participants aged 60 years and above, selected through random sampling. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess sleep quality before and after the intervention. JPMR sessions were administered daily for two weeks. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including paired t-tests and chi-square tests.
Results: The mean PSQI score significantly decreased from pre-test to post-test, indicating improved sleep quality (p < 0.001). Significant associations were found between sleep quality and variables such as age, comorbid illness, and marital state (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The study highlights the efficacy of JPMR as a non-pharmacological intervention for improving sleep in elderly individuals with comorbidities. Holistic strategies incorporating relaxation techniques can substantially enhance sleep health in aging populations
Downloads
Metrics
References
Altena E, Baglioni C, Espie CA, Ellis JG, Gavriloff D, Holzinger B, et al. Dealing with sleep problems during home confinement due to the COVID-19 outbreak: Practical recommendations. J Sleep Res. 2020 Aug;29(4):e13052.
Morin CM, Bjorvatn B, Chung F, Holzinger B, Partinen M, Penzel T, et al. Insomnia, anxiety, and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic: An international collaborative study. Sleep Med. 2021 Jan;87:38-45.
Cellini N, Canale N, Mioni G, Costa S. Changes in sleep pattern, sense of time and digital media use during COVID-19 lockdown in Italy. J Sleep Res. 2020 Dec;29(4):e13074.
Sivagurunathan P, Vaithilingan S, Vinothkumar R. Restriction of Mobile Phone Usage at Bed Time: Effect on Sleep Quality, Mood and Cognitive Function. Natl J Community Med [Internet]. 2024 Oct 1
Varvogli L, Darviri C. Stress Management Techniques: evidence-based procedures that reduce stress and promote health. Health Sci J. 2020;14(1):1–10.
Gopika K, Mathew S, Thomas J. Effectiveness of Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Sleep among Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Indian J Psychiatr Nurs. 2021;18(2):45–50.
Neubauer DN. Sleep problems in the elderly. Am Fam Physician. 2021 Jan 1;103(1):18–25.
Sharma R, Srivastava S, Dey AB. Sleep disorders in the elderly: A public health concern. Indian J Geriatr Care. 2022;11(1):10–15.
Kumari K, Chaudhary P, Kumari B. Effectiveness of Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation Therapy on Quality of Sleep and Level of Depression Among Elderly People Residing in Selected Old Age Homes, Himachal Pradesh. J ReAttach Ther Dev Divers. 2023;6(1):979–83.
Rodiyah W, Tatius B, Dewi NS. Differences in Effectiveness Between Progressive Muscle Relaxation Therapy and Slow Deep Breathing Therapy on Elderly Sleep Quality. Med Hosp. 2022;11(2):68–74.
Xu R, Lin Y, Zhang B. Relationship among sleep quality, depressed mood, and perceived social support in older adults: A longitudinal study. Australas J Ageing. 2021;40(4):e170–6.
Peng S, Chen Y, Li J, Wang Y, Liu X, Wang Y, et al. Correlation among sleep quality, physical frailty and cognitive function of the older adults in China: the mediating role. Front Public Health. 2023;11:1143033.
Wang Y, Xu D, Yan S, Wang Y, Zhang Y. Effects of progressive muscle relaxation on anxiety and sleep quality in patients with COVID-19. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2020;39:101132.
Silva AG, Simões P, Santos R, Silva C, Ribeiro J. Effect of Physical Exercise on Sleep Quality in Elderly Adults: A Systematic Review with a Meta-Analysis of Controlled and Randomized Studies. Geriatrics. 2022;7(2):8...
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
You are free to:
- Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
- Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.
Terms:
- Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
- No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.