The impact of yogic practices on perception of stress and sleep among medical students amid COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: Medical undergraduates struggled to cope up with undue stress resulting in disturbed sleep during COVID-19 pandemic. Stress had affected not only the mental or psychological health but also affected the whole body systems including the sleep rhythm and quality. This study was undertaken focusing on the fact that yogic practices induce changes in stress level and sleep. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to measure and compare the perceived stress and sleep quality among the medical undergraduate who discontinued and those who continued yogic practices in follow-up. Materials and Methods: This online longitudinal interventional study was conducted from November 2020 to May 2021. The study was conducted in three stages: Baseline (before intervention). after 6 weeks of yogic intervention, and after 3 months (for follow-up). All medical students of 18–30 years were enrolled (Total 600 students). Fifty-one undergraduate with prolonged illness, spine issues, any physiological issue, trained athletes, and trained yoga persons were excluded from the study. Total 549 medical students were falling in our inclusion criteria. Results: Significant level of stress response is a high predictor of poor sleep because of HPA mediated hormonal and sympathetic system activation. High level of stress is a significant predictor of poor quality of sleep. This causes persistent production of cortisol and epinephrine. Intervention of yogic practice helps in balancing the mind and body, thus improving the quality of life. Conclusion: The authors findings suggest that the undergraduates are in favor of practicing yoga as it helps them to cope up with the academic stress. It had also improved the quality of sleep among them.