Effect of Yoga on Sleep, Self-Esteem and Wellbeing Among Overweight and Obese – A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: People with obesity have concerns related to their disturbed sleep and poor self-esteem which decreases their health-related quality of life. The study aims to see the effect of yoga on sleep quality, self-esteem, and quality of life among overweight and obese people. Method: A total of 46 overweight and obese subjects were recruited and randomly divided into Integrated Yoga (n=23) or Walking (n=23) groups. For the Yoga group, weekly 5 days one hour of Yoga was taught and the walking group was doing a one-hour walk for the same duration for 13 weeks. Loosening practices, asana, pranayama, breathing practices, and relaxation/meditation were taught to the yoga participants. Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire (PSQI), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RES), and Short Form-36 (SF-36) were used to assess sleep, self-esteem, and quality of life respectively. SPSS version 20 is used for statistical analysis. Finding: After 13 weeks of intervention and post-data collection in the Yoga group, paired t-test showed significant improvement in the scores for sleep quality p(>0.001); self-esteem p(>0.001) and quality of life p(>0.001). Whereas there was no significant improvement in the walking group compared to pre scores. After 13 weeks, the PSQI score (3.892.21) was reduced significantly in the yoga group than in the walking group (8.125.05), t(34) = -3.313, p=0.002. Also, RES score (20.844.56) was increased significantly in the yoga group than in the walking (16.123.52),t(34)=3.449,p=0.002. Novelty: Yoga practice improves the sleep quality, and self-esteem among the overweight and obese people when compared to walking. Quality of life can be improved with regular yoga practice. Further studies with larger sample size and long-term follow-up are warranted. Keywords: Yoga; Obesity; Sleep; Quality of Life; SelfEsteem; Randomized Controlled Trial