A pilot study of gentle yoga for sleep disturbance in women with osteoarthritis

• Published in: Sleep medicine 2011-05, Vol.12 (5), p.512-517
• Main Authors: Taibi, Diana M, Vitiello, Michael V
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Actigraphy; Aged; Aging; Complementary therapies; Feasibility Studies; Female; Humans; Insomnia; Medical Records; Middle Aged; Neurology; Osteoarthritis; Osteoarthritis - complications; Patient Satisfaction; Pilot Projects; Sleep; Sleep Medicine; Sleep Wake Disorders - etiology; Sleep Wake Disorders - therapy; Surveys and Questionnaires; Treatment Outcome; Yoga
• ISSN: 1389-9457; 1878-5506
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2010.09.016

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a gentle yoga intervention for sleep disturbance in older women with osteoarthritis (OA) and to collect initial efficacy data on the intervention. Methods All participants completed an 8-week yoga program that included 75-min weekly classes and 20 min of nightly home practice. Participants were women with OA and symptoms consistent with insomnia. Symptom questionnaires and 1 week of wrist actigraphy and sleep diaries were completed for 1 week pre- and post-intervention. Results Fourteen women were enrolled of whom 13 completed the study (mean age 65.2 ± 6.9 years). Participants attended a mean of 7.2 ± 1.0 classes and practiced at home 5.83 ± 1.66 nights/week. The Insomnia Severity Index and diary-reported sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency, and number of nights with insomnia were significantly improved at post-intervention versus pre-intervention ( p < .05). Other sleep outcomes (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, diary-reported total sleep time and wake after sleep onset) showed improvement on mean scores at post-intervention, but these were not statistically significant. Actigraphic sleep outcomes were not significantly changed. Conclusions This study supports the feasibility and acceptability of a standardized evening yoga practice for middle-aged to older women with OA. Preliminary efficacy findings support further research on this program as a potential treatment option for OA-related insomnia.