Effect of the Benson relaxation technique on quality of sleep in patients with chronic heart disease

Cardiovascular diseases are major factor in reducing the amount of sleep and increased nighttime wakefulness. Due to the many complications resulting from medication, non-pharmacological methods that can improve the quality of sleep in patients with chronic heart disease, seems to be reasonable. This study aimed to assess the effect of the Benson relaxation technique on quality of sleep in patients with chronic heart disease. The study design is a randomized clinical trial. The study population comprised 60 patients with chronic heart disease referring to Vasei hospital in Sabzevar that randomly divided into control group (n =30) and intervention group (n =30). The intervention Group did Benson relaxation exercises for 20 minutes twice a day over a month. Tools for data collection Consists of; demographic form and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index that in two times before and after the intervention were completed. Data with Mann-Whitney test, Chi-square, Fisher exact, Wilcoxon tests and Analysis of Covariance and using SPSS statistical software version 11.5 and with significance level p˂0/05 were analyzed. The mean± SD quality of sleep in the intervention group before making a gentle Benson relaxation was; 10/33±4/41 that after the intervention was decreased to 7/5±4/01. Analysis of the data in average sleep quality of participants in the intervention group before and after the intervention showed significant differences (P< 0/001). Benson relaxation has desired effect on sleep quality of patients with chronic heart diseases, so it can be used as a complementary therapy to improve sleep quality in these patients.