The effect of progressive relaxation exercises on sleep quality and quality of life of pregnant women

Aim: To examine the effects of progressive relaxation exercises applied to pregnant women on sleep and life quality of pregnant women. Materials and Methods: The research was carried out as a randomized controlled experimental study with pregnant women who applied to Manisa City Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics. The research sample consisted of 66 pregnant women in the intervention and control groups. 'Pregnant Identification Form', 'Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PUKI)' and Quality of Life Scale (SF-12) were applied to the pregnant women, and Progressive Relaxation Exercise (PGE) training was given to the pregnant women in the intervention group and their practice was provided for six weeks. The control group received routine care. After the first follow-up, PUKI and SF-12 were re-administered to the pregnant women in the third and sixth weeks to evaluate their sleep and quality of life. The data were evaluated using descriptive statistics, chi-square cross tables, Independent simple t test, Repeated Measures test. Results: In the first follow-up, the total PUKI scores of the pregnant women were similar, and in the second and third follow-ups, the total PUKI scores of the pregnants in the intervention group were lower than those in the control group (p<0.005). In the first follow-up, the FBO-12 and MBO-12 scores of the pregnant women were similar, and in the second and third follow-ups, the FBO-12 and MBO-12 scores of the pregnants in the intervention group were found to be higher than those in the control group (p<0,05). In addition, the PGE application of the pregnants in the intervention group decreased their total PUKI score compared to the follow-ups, also it was determined that the FBO-12 and MBO-12 scores increased compared to the follow-ups. Conclusion: It was observed that PGE applied to pregnant women had a positive effect on the sleep and quality of life of pregnant women.