The Effect of Meditation-based Strategy on Sleep Quality and Perceived Stress in Older Adults Living in the Community

Jade Kay

Abstract

Objectives: The study assessed the comparative effectiveness of two non-pharmacological interventions, Mantram repetition, a meditation-based strategy, and sleep techniques, to improve sleep in the healthy older adults. The study also evaluated the feasibility of delivering a 5- week, 60-90-minute, weekly Mantram repetition training program to a sample of healthy older adults living in the community. Methods: Qualified subjects were healthy older adults aged 50 and above. A convenient sample of 44 subjects consented to participate. One subject left the study due to illness and eight subjects with missing post tests were removed from the analysis. A total of 35 subjects (sleep technique group n=19, Mantram group n=16) remained for the analysis. The study used a quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test non-equivalent comparison group approach. A blocked design by gender was used and blocks were randomly assigned to either the Mantram repetition group or sleep technique group. Sleep quality was measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The level of perceived stress was measured with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The self-reported questionnaires (PSQI and PSS) were completed before and after the 5-week training. Analysis of Covariance and change scores were performed to determine the impact of Mantram repetition on sleep quality and perceived stress. Results: The Mantram repetition group and the sleep technique group significantly differed in perceived stress, sleep latency, and subjective sleep quality scores post training. The Mantram repetition group exhibited a beneficial change in perceived stress level, sleep quality (global), frequency of sleep-aid use, sleep latency, and subjective sleep quality. Conclusion: The study results suggest that Mantram repetition could benefit older adults seeking ways to improve sleep and decrease stress. The findings demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of the fiveweek Mantram repetition training program to older adults living in the community