Comparative Efficacy of Benson Relaxation and Structured Breathing Exercises on Sleep Quality in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Sleep problems are common in chronic kidney disease, especially end stage renal disease (ESRD), affecting daily life and increasing health risks.
Objective: To compare the impact of Benson relaxation technique and breathing exercise on sleep quality in hemodialysis patients
Patients and Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 102 hemodialysis patients of both sexes with ESRD. The patient’s’ ages varied between 55 and 65 years, and their BMI was 25 to 29.9 kg/m². They were randomly subdivided into 3 groups (A, B, and C). All groups received their prescribed medical treatment and hemodialysis; in addition, Group A (n=34) practiced the Benson relaxation technique, while Group B (n=34) performed diaphragmatic breathing exercises, and Group C (n=34) received no additional intervention. The study was prolonged for 8 weeks, with 3 sessions each week. The assessment of sleep quality involved the measurement of Pittsburg Sleeping Quality Index (PSQI).
Results: There was a significant change in PSQI index in the 3 groups after the intervention (P<0.05). Consequently, post-hoc tests exhibited a significant difference between groups A and C, groups B and C, as well as groups A and B (P<0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant alteration in the scores of PSQI within every group.
Conclusion: 8 weeks of training with Benson relaxation technique had a more significant effect on sleep quality than breathing exercise or medications only.