Effects of pranayama breathing technique on stress level, sleep quality, and quality of life among older adults

Background and Aim: Problems such as chronic stress and sleep disorders increase and quality of life decrease with aging. This study aims to evaluate the effects of the pranayama breathing technique on stress level, sleep quality, and quality of life among older adults. Material and Methods: This randomized controlled study was conducted between October 2023 and April 2024 in two nursing homes affiliated with the Directorate of Family and Social Services. Voluntary participants aged 60 and over were randomized into a pranayama group (n=34) and a control group (n=40). The pranayama group received Ujjayi, Nadi Shodhana, and Sama Vritti pranayama techniques, administered face-to-face by the researcher in groups of 6-7 participants for 15-20 minutes before lunch over 8 weeks. The control group did not receive any intervention. Data were collected from both groups at weeks 0, 4th, and 8th using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), World Health Organization Quality of Life Module for the Elderly (WHOQOL-OLD) and WHO-8 EUROHIS Quality of Life Scale. Results: The mean age of participants was 75.24±7.03 years (range: 62-90), with 64% male, 85.1% single, 58.1% with primary education or below, and 47.3% residing in the nursing home voluntarily. No statistically significant difference was found between the Pranayama group and the control group regarding participants' introductory characteristics, old age period, and nursing home process-related characteristics. By the end of the 8th week, the pranayama group showed a significant reduction in perceived stress levels and improvements in sleep quality and quality of life compared to the control group. Conclusion: This study found that the pranayama breathing technique is an effective method for significantly reducing stress, improving sleep quality, and enhancing quality of life in older adults. It is recommended that pranayama breathing techniques be included in routine care practices in especially nursing home settings. Keywords: Pranayama breathing technique, older adults, nursing home, perceived stress, sleep quality, quality of life.