A pilot study of gentle yoga for sleep disturbance in women with osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a gentle yoga intervention for sleep disturbance in older women with osteoarthritis (OA) and to collect initial efficacy data on the intervention.

METHODS: All participants completed an 8-week yoga program that included 75-min weekly classes and 20min of nightly home practice. Participants were women with OA and symptoms consistent with insomnia. Symptom questionnaires and 1week of wrist actigraphy and sleep diaries were completed for 1week pre- and post-intervention.

RESULTS: Fourteen women were enrolled of whom 13 completed the study (mean age 65.2±6.9years). Participants attended a mean of 7.2±1.0 classes and practiced at home 5.83±1.66nights/week. The Insomnia Severity Index and diary-reported sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency, and number of nights with insomnia were significantly improved at post-intervention versus pre-intervention (p<.05). Other sleep outcomes (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, diary-reported total sleep time and wake after sleep onset) showed improvement on mean scores at post-intervention, but these were not statistically significant. Actigraphic sleep outcomes were not significantly changed.

CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the feasibility and acceptability of a standardized evening yoga practice for middle-aged to older women with OA. Preliminary efficacy findings support further research on this program as a potential treatment option for OA-related insomnia.

Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
PMID: 21489869