Comparison of the Effectiveness of Muscle Relaxation Training in both Face-to-Face and Distance Methods on Sleep Quality in Pregnant Women with Hypothyroidism

One of the methods to control of the effects of hypothyroidism, especially in pregnancy period, is the use of non-medicated methods such as muscle relaxation, which can be taught by different methods. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of muscle relaxation training in both face-to-face and distance methods on sleep quality in pregnant women with hypothyroidism.

This quasi-experimental study with pre-test-post-test design was conducted in 2020 in Najafabad Comprehensive Health Service Centers. The sample consisted of 66 pregnant women with hypothyroidism. Convenience sampling method and random allocation of samples (using Excel program and patients' file numbers) were used in both face-to-face and remote groups. Written informed consent was obtained from all samples. The data collection tool was the Petersburg Sleep Quality Questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16 at a significance level of less than 0.05.

The results showed that before training, the mean total score of sleep quality disorder and its dimensions were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). After training, the mean score of sleep quality disorder in the dimensions of sleep delay, sleep duration, sleep efficiency and daily dysfunction was not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05), but the mean total score of sleep quality disorder and the dimensions of mental quality of sleep and sleep disorders in the face-to-face training group (total sleep quality disorder score: 3.27 ± 0.25) were significantly lower than the distance education group (total sleep quality disorder score: 5.67 ± 0.60), (P < 0.05).

Face-to-face training is an effective method in muscle relaxation training as a safe intervention in reducing sleep disorders of pregnant women.