The application of relax training to improve the anxiety and sleep quality of outpatients with chronic disease

Abstract

Objective To explore methods that could improve the anxiety level and sleep disturbance in outpatients who were suffering from chronic diseases. Methods A total of 60 outpatients who had been receiving intravenous infusion as their current treatment and showed high levels of anxiety and sleep disturbance were recruited and randomized to 2 groups: Experimental Group ( n = 30 ) and Control Group ( n = 30 ). Patients in the Experimental Group were trained 4 weeks relaxation program by nurses, while patients in the Control Group received regular intravenous infusion following prescriptions. The Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) were administered pre and post intervention. Results The results revealed that there were statistically lower in Experimental Group than in Control Group with respect to anxiety level and sleep disturbance. Conclusions Relaxation training could improve anxiety level and sleep disturbance in outpatients of chronic diseases. Key words: Relaxation training; Anxiety; Sleep disturbance; Chronic disease patient