The effect of progressive relaxation exercise on sleep quality in patients with type 2 diabetes

Aim: The research was conducted as a randomized controlled experimental study to investigate the effect of progressive relaxation exercise on sleep quality in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Method: The population of the study consisted of 155 patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes who applied to the Diabetes Outpatient Clinic of Niğde Ömer Halisdemir Training and Research Hospital between June and September 2023. The sample of the study was determined by randomization among patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes who volunteered to participate in the study and met the research criteria (intervention=35, control=35). The data were collected with the ''Patient Information Form'', ''Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)'' and ''Progressive Relaxation Exercise Application Monitoring Table.'' Patients in the intervention group were subjected to 30 minutes of progressive relaxation exercise three days a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) for 4 weeks. Frequency, mean, Chi-Square test, "Student's t" test statistics and "Paired Samples Tests" test were used in the evaluation of the data. Results: It was found that the mean score of PSQI (Sleep quality) decreased significantly (sleep quality increased) in the patients in the intervention group after progressive relaxation exercise compared to the control group (p<0,001). Conclusion and Recommendations: According to the results obtained in the study, progressive relaxation exercise was found to improve sleep quality. In line with these results, it is recommended that progressive relaxation exercise should be applied long-term and regularly by patients diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes to maintain sleep quality because it can be easily applied in patients and is not an invasive method, and patients should be trained on sleep hygiene to develop a healthy lifestyle in line with holistic and individualized care philosophy. Keywords: Nursing, type 2 diabetes mellitus; sleep quality; progressive relaxation exercise Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Diğdem LAFCI BAKAR; Mersin University; Department of Nursing Fundamentals; Mersin