The impact of the emotional freedom technique on sleep quality and overall quality of life in postmenopausal women - A randomized controlled trial

Background: With increased life expectancy and changes in lifespan, now women spend more years after menopause. Women with menopausal symptoms may experience a lower quality of life (QoL) and complain about poor sleep quality. This study aimed to examine the relationship between QoL and sleep quality in postmenopausal women. Methods: This research was a predictive correlational study. The study sample was 200 postmenopausal women referred to the healthcare centers affiliated with Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Mashhad City, Iran, in 2021. The subjects were selected through multistage cluster sampling. To assess the quality of sleep and life quality, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Menopause-Specific QoL questionnaire (MENQOL) were used. The obtained data were analyzed by the Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression in SPSS software, version 21. The significance level was set at P<0.05. Results: The mean±SD age of the subjects was 53.92±6.13 years. Their mean±SD scores of sleep quality and QoL were 48.62±21.98 and 4.93±2.74, respectively, and 37% of women had sleep disorders. The multiple determination coefficient for the linear regression model was equal to 0.35, and there was a significant direct relationship between sleep quality and QoL (b=3.72, 95% CI =2.70-4.74, P<0.001). So for each unit change in sleep quality, the average QoL score increased by 3.72 units. Conclusion: Considering the relationship between sleep quality and QoL in postmenopausal women, it is recommended that these women use appropriate methods to improve sleep quality. Also, health professionals should keep this issue in mind when examining the health status of this group of women.

Background:Menopause is one of the stages in a woman’s life that affects her psychological health, the most frequent being anxiety and depression. In addition, another problem related to this stage is the lack of sleep that causes a decrease in the quality of sleep. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to analyze the effectiveness of a Qigong exercise program on sleep quality, anxiety, and depression in Spanish postmenopausal women.Methods:A total of 125 women were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) (n = 63) that carried out a Qigong exercise program for 12 weeks, or a control group (CG) (n = 62), which did not perform any type of intervention. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).Results:Women who underwent an intervention program experienced significant improvements for all measured variables, except for the use of sleeping medication and daytime dysfunctions that did not show any significant effect with respect to the group and group × time interaction.Conclusions:After an intervention based on a BaDuanJin Qigong exercise program for 12 weeks, improvements were observed in sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, the total score of the PSQI, anxiety and depression in postmenopausal Spanish women.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of Kegel exercises plus abdominal exercises to Kegel only exercises on urinary incontinence severity, quality of life, and sleep quality in postmenopausal women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). This prospective, randomized controlled trial adhered to the CONSORT guidelines and included 70 postmenopausal women (35 in each group) diagnosed with SUI who attended an Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient clinic in northern Turkey between May and November 2023. The experimental group performed Kegel and abdominal exercises, while the control group practiced Kegel exercises only. Both groups followed a 12-week exercise program, with data collected through pre- and post-tests and three face-to-face interviews during the intervention period. After the 12-week exercise programs, both Kegel only and Kegel plus abdominal exercise combination decreased the severity of incontinence and improved quality of life and sleep quality in postmenopausal women with SUI (p < 0.001). However, in this population, Kegel plus abdominal exercises give better results than Kegel only exercises (p < 0.001). According to the outcome of this evidence-based study, it is recommended that exercise programs combining Kegel and abdominal exercises be established for postmenopausal women with SUI within the scope of conservative treatment.

The effect of probiotics on mood and sleep quality in postmenopausal women: A triple-blind randomized controlled trial.

We aimed to show the effect of osteoporosis on sleep quality in 59 postmenopausal women. The participants’ bone-mineral density levels were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). According to their DEXA results, participants were divided into two groups as osteoporotics and controls. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to evaluate sleep quality. Fourteen osteoporotic women (43.8%) and four controls (14.8%) were “poor” sleepers (p < 0.05). Postmeno-pausal women with osteoporosis scored greater on the “sleep latency” and “sleep duration” components of PSQI than controls. According to the findings of our study, osteoporosis is a risk factor for poor sleep quality in postmenopausal women.

Objective: This study examined the effect of a symptom management program developed based on story theory on vasomotor symptoms and sleep quality in postmenopausal women. Methods: The research was conducted as a mixed methods study using an interventional design, one of the advanced mixed methods designs. The study population consisted of postmenopausal women who presented to 5 family health centers. A total of 76 women were enrolled, with 38 in the experimental group and 38 in the control group. The symptom management program developed based on story theory was applied individually to women in the experimental group. A personal information form, the Menopause Symptoms Assessment Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and a story theory-based semistructured interview form were employed as data collection tools. The independent 2-sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, generalized linear model, Tukey test, and Robust ANOVA test were used for the analysis of quantitative data, while content analysis was applied to qualitative data. Results: The Menopause Symptoms Assessment Scale total and subdimension scores and the total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score were lower in the experimental group than in the control group at the end of the program. Six themes were identified in the study: thoughts about menopause, symptoms experienced during menopause, perception of femininity in menopause, the effect of menopause on daily life, coping with menopause, and expectations in menopause. Conclusions: The program reduced vasomotor symptoms and improved sleep quality among the postmenopausal women in the experimental group.

Sleep disturbances frequently affect postmenopausal women, yet the evidence supporting the use of aromatherapy as a therapeutic intervention remains inconclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of aromatherapy in improving sleep quality in postmenopausal women by analyzing data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Three RCTs comprising a total of 301 participants were included. Eligible studies compared aromatherapy with control conditions and reported sleep-related outcomes. The pooled analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores between the aromatherapy and control groups (mean difference, −2.66; 95% CI −6.49 to 1.17; p = 0.17), with high heterogeneity (I² = 98%). However, subgroup analyses demonstrated significant improvements in sleep latency (mean difference, −0.98; 95% CI −1.75 to −0.21; p = 0.01) and daytime drowsiness (mean difference, −0.79; 95% CI −1.30 to −0.28; p = 0.002). These findings suggest that aromatherapy may provide targeted benefits for certain aspects of sleep, particularly sleep latency and daytime dysfunction. Further high-quality RCTs with larger sample sizes, standardized aromatherapy protocols, and long-term follow-up are necessary to validate these outcomes and establish evidence-based clinical guidelines for the use of aromatherapy in managing sleep disturbances among postmenopausal women.

ObjectiveThis research aimed to elucidate the clinical impact of quality nursing combined with a health education pathway on the quality of life and sleep in patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) complicated by infection.MethodsA total of 130 SAA patients complicated with infection, admitted to the Hematology Department of our hospital between February 2022 and February 2024, were selected as research subjects. Using the number table method, participants were randomly divided into an observation group (OG) and a control group (CG), with 65 patients in each group. Patients in the CG received conventional nursing care. In addition to conventional nursing care, those in the OG received quality nursing care combined with health education. The health knowledge awareness rate, quality of sleep, quality of life, inflammatory indicators, immune function indicators, improvement of clinical symptoms, and occurrence of adverse reactions were analyzed and compared.ResultsAfter the intervention, the health knowledge awareness rate was significantly higher among patients in the OG than those in the CG (p = 0.002). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores in the OG were significantly lower, while sleep duration was significantly longer compared to the CG (p < 0.0001). Additionally, quality-of-life scores in the OG were significantly higher than those in the CG (p < 0.0001). Patients’ PSQI scores were inversely proportional to their quality-of-life scores in both groups (p = 0.0044, p = 0.0007, p = 0.0003, and p < 0.0001). Conversely, sleep duration was positively correlated with quality-of-life scores in both groups (p = 0.005, p < 0.0001, p = 0.0005, and p < 0.0001). After the intervention, levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were significantly lower in the OG than in the CG, while the CD4/CD8 ratio in the OG was significantly higher than that in the CG (p < 0.0001). Additionally, the time to infection control, time for body temperature to return to normal, time for cough disappearance, and time for lung rales disappearance were all significantly shorter in the OG than in the CG (p < 0.0001). The total incidence of adverse reactions in the OG depicted a reduction in comparison to that in the CG (p = 0.013).ConclusionThe combined application of quality nursing and a health education pathway in nursing practices of SAA patients demonstrates significant clinical benefits. It can improve patients’ health knowledge awareness, enhance sleep quality and overall quality of life, enhance immune function, attenuate adverse reactions, and facilitate recovery. This approach is worth promoting further in clinical practice.

Background: Menopausal women are widely reported to have poor sleep quality and sleep problems. It is not clear whether increases in sleep disturbance are brought about by hormone changes associated with menopause or due to psychosocial and physical problems.Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 600 menopausal women aged between 40 and 60 without any known severe illnesses in the city of Qaen, Iran, from April 2015 to May 2016. Data were collected by Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.Main outcome measures: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between health-promoting lifestyle and sleep quality in Iranian postmenopausal women. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test, Mann-Whitney, Chi-square, Spearman and univariate logistic regression.Result: The univariate logistic regression suggested that the physical activity dimension of lifestyle (OR = 1.095, 95% CI: 1.035-1.158, P < 0.006), non-smoking status (OR = 0.549, 95% CI: 0.331-0.912, P < 0.021) and occupation (women who were farmer compared with housewives) (OR = 0.239, 95% CI (0.074-0.775), P < 0.017) were associated with sleep quality.Conclusion: Postmenopausal women in this study were at high risk for poor sleep quality. Poor sleep quality was associated with low levels of physical activity, smoking and being a housewife compared to being a farmer. Therefore, there is an essential need to educate women about health-promoting behaviors including daily physical activity and avoiding smoking which are associated with quality of sleep.

ABSTRACTThis trial compared the effects of lavender and bitter orange on sleep quality in postmenopausal women. This trial was conducted in 2015. Eligible postmenopausal women were allocated into one of two intervention groups or a control group (n = 52 per group) in a 1:1:1 ratio using a randomized block design. Intervention groups received 500 mg capsules containing only bitter orange or lavender flower powder, and the control group received 500 mg capsules containing starch. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory was used before and eight weeks after starting the intervention. Data analyses were based on intention to treat. A one-way ANOVA showed a slightly significant difference in mean sleep score among the three groups before the intervention (p = .045). The general linear model, adjusted for baseline sleep score and confounding factors, showed significant differences among the groups in the mean sleep score after eight weeks of treatment (p < .001). Bitter orange and lavender significantly improved the mean sleep score compared with the control group (p < .001 and p = .003, respectively). The positive effect of bitter orange and lavender on sleep quality in postmenopausal women suggests that they can be used to improve sleep quality in such women.

Introduction and ObjectiveSleep disorder leads to several mental, physical, and behavioral complications. Through continuous care model, it is possible to achieve an efficient recognition of the problems of these patients and allow them to participate in solving their health issues. The effects of continuous care model on sleep quality in postmenopausal women were examined.Material and MethodsTotally, 110 postmenopausal women visiting health center in Kermanshah, Iran took part in this clinical trial. The participants were selected between May 2017 and September 2017. The participants were allocated to control and experimental groups randomly each with 55 members. The normal cares were provided to the control group, while the experimental groups took part in group consultation sessions (once every week, four session each 60-90min). Quality of sleep was examined based on Pittsburg sleep quality index before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and a month flowing the completion of the intervention. For data analyzing, Friedman’s test, Mann-Whitney test, and chi-square test were used in SPSS.ResultsA significant difference was found in the mean scores of the quality of sleep in the experimental group in three measurements occasions in the study (p=0.001). Despite lack of any significant difference before the intervention between the two groups, there was a significant decrease in the sleep quality score in the experimental group one month after the completion of the intervention compared to the control group (p<0.05).ConclusionThe continuous care model improved the sleep quality in the postmenopausal women.

This study investigates the association between sedentary behavior and sleep quality among postmenopausal women residing in China's plateau regions. Particular attention is given to moderating effects of age, body mass index (BMI), and sleep environment. This study aims to identify modifiable risk factors influencing sleep quality in this high-altitude population. This cross-sectional study focused on postmenopausal women (aged ≥50 years, ≥12 months post-menopause) across four primary plateau regions in China: Qinghai-Tibet, Yunnan-Guizhou, Inner Mongolia, and the Loess Plateau. Sedentary behavior was evaluated with the Older Adults Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire, and sleep quality was assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Data analysis encompassed descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, multiple linear regression, and subgroup analyses. Among the 151 participants (mean age 58.5 years), sedentary behavior was positively correlated with poorer sleep quality (r = 0.36, p < 0.001). Improvements in the sleep environment were similarly associated with better sleep quality (r = 0.29, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression identified sedentary behavior and sleep environment as significant predictors of sleep quality, while other variables showed no significant associations. Subgroup analysis revealed age-specific effects: sedentary behavior had a strong influence on sleep quality in women under 60 years (r = 0.36, p < 0.01) but demonstrated a weaker, non-significant association in those aged 60 years or older (p = 0.062). Prolonged sedentary behavior is an independent risk factor for reduced sleep quality among postmenopausal women residing in high-altitude regions, while improvements in the sleep environment are positively associated with better sleep quality. The influence of sedentary behavior on sleep quality varies by age groups. These findings highlight the importance of tailored interventions and health policies to improving sleep quality in postmenopausal women living at high altitudes.

The sleep patterns of humans are greatly influenced by age and sex and have various effects on overall health as they change continuously during the lifespan. We investigated age-dependent changes in sleep properties and their relation to sex in middle-aged individuals. We analyzed data from 2,640 participants (mean age of 49.8 ± 6.8 years at baseline, 50.6% women) in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, which assessed sleep habits using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and other clinical characteristics. We analyzed the sleep habit changes that occurred between baseline and a follow-up point (mean interval: 12.00 ± 0.16 years). Associations of age and sex with 9 sleep characteristics were evaluated. Age was associated with most of the sleep characteristics cross-sectionally and longitudinally (P < .05), except for the time in bed at baseline (P = .455) and change in sleep duration (P = .561). Compared with men, women had higher Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores, shorter time in bed, shorter sleep duration, and longer latency at baseline (P ≤ .001). Longitudinal deterioration in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score, habitual sleep efficiency, duration, and latency was more prominent in women (P < .001). The sex differences in these longitudinal sleep changes were mainly noticeable before age 60 years (P < .05). Worsening of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores, habitual sleep efficiency, and latency was most evident in perimenopausal women. Men presented with greater advancement of chronotype (P = .006), with the peak sex-related difference occurring when they were in their late 40s (P = .048). Aging is associated with substantial deterioration in sleep quantity and quality as well as chronotype advancement, with the degree and timing of these changes differing by sex.

BackgroundSleep disorders are common in postmenopausal women and are linked to poor physical and mental health, which affect quality of life. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of resistive exercise on insomnia and sleep quality in postmenopausal women. Fifty-six postmenopausal women suffering from sleep disturbance and insomnia participated in this study. Their age ranged from 50–65 years, and their body mass index (BMI) was 25–29.5 kg/m2. They were randomly distributed into two groups of an equal number. Control group received self-care and lifestyle advice, while study group received the same advice in addition to resistive exercises for 20–30 min per session for 4 weeks. Plasma estradiol levels were assessed, as well as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Insomnia Severity Index, which were used to evaluate sleep quality and insomnia pre- and post-treatment.ResultsControl group revealed a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in Pittsburgh sleep quality index and insomnia severity index and a non-significant difference (p = 0.059) in plasma estradiol level post-treatment. However, study group showed a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in Pittsburgh sleep quality index and insomnia severity index, as well as a significant increase (p = 0.001) in plasma estradiol level. Compared to control group, study group showed a significant decrease (p = 0.000) in insomnia and sleep quality, as well as a non-significant difference (p = 0.179) in estradiol level post-treatment. Also, there was a negative correlation between plasma estradiol level and insomnia severity score in the study group post-treatment.ConclusionResistive exercise is an effective modality for postmenopausal women suffering from sleep disorders as it improves insomnia, sleep quality, which in turn affects the quality of life. Increased estradiol level is an important factor that helps improve insomnia in postmenopausal women.

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between bone mineral density, vitamin D level, and sleep quality in female patients with osteoporosis. This descriptive correlational study included a total of 318 women diagnosed with osteoporosis. The data were collected using a patient identification form, including items for the plasma vitamin D level and bone mineral density score obtained by the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry method, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The mean age of the women was 56.49±5.68 years, and their femoral neck T mean score, an indicator of bone mineral density, was -2.94±0.31. Only 6.3% of the women had adequate vitamin D levels. In addition, according to their Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores, 85.8% of the women had poor sleep quality. In the study, no significant difference was found between the women's bone mineral densities and vitamin D levels according to sleep quality (p>0.05). However, there was a weak negative correlation between the duration of osteoporosis, body mass index, and sleep quality (p<0.05). There was no association between the vitamin D level, bone mineral density, and sleep quality, but the duration of osteoporosis was negatively associated with sleep quality. Accordingly, it may be recommended to provide education and counseling to postmenopausal women diagnosed with osteoporosis on issues such as sunbathing, vitamin D and calcium preparation intake, weight control, and non-pharmacological treatment approaches by making necessary individual-specific plans to improve sleep quality.