Browsing by Author "Soujanya Nandi"

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    A Pilot Randomised Crossover Study Comparing Deep Relaxation Technique and Raga Neelambari Music on Sleep Quality in Sleep-Deprived Young Adults
    (S-VYASA, 2026-05-13) Soujanya Nandi; Harshit Khandelwal; Vaishali Mathapati; Titty George
    BACKGROUND: Sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining physical and mental health. However, many individuals experience poor sleep quality, increased daytime sleepiness, and fatigue due to stress and lifestyle factors. Non-pharmacological interventions such as relaxation techniques and music therapy have shown potential benefits in improving sleep-related outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Deep Relaxation Technique (DRT) and Raga Neelambari (RN) in improving sleep quality and reducing fatigue. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of Deep Relaxation Technique and Raga Neelambari on improving sleep quality. TRIAL DESIGN: 1. To assess changes in sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue before and after interventions using PSQI, ESS, and FSS. 2. To compare the effectiveness of DRT and RN in improving these outcomes. 3. To identify which intervention produces greater improvement. METHODS: A crossover interventional study was conducted on 40 participants. Participants received both Deep Relaxation Technique and Raga Neelambari interventions in two phases with a washout period in between. Each intervention was administered over a period of 5 weeks. Outcome measures including Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were assessed before and after each intervention. PARTICIPANTS: young adults aged 18-25 years, (N=40) with self-reported poor sleep quality (PSQI score more than or equal to 5), recruited from S-Vyasa university, Bangalore. INTERVENTIONS: Group 1: Deep Relaxation Technique (DRT)- guided muscle relaxation with breath awareness, 20 minutes/session, 6 days/week for 2 weeks. Group 2: Raga Neelambari Music Therapy (RN)- pre-recorded classical Indian raga, 10 minutes/session, 6 days/week for 2 weeks. Both groups crossed over after a 7-day washout period. OUTCOMES: Primary outcome: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Secondary outcomes: Daytime sleepiness scale (ESS) and Fatigue severity scale (FSS), assessed pre-mid-post interventions. RESULT: The Deep Relaxation Technique showed statistically significant improvement in sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue (p < 0.001). In contrast, Raga Neelambari did not show significant improvement in any of the measured outcomes (p > 0.05). Between-group comparison revealed that DRT was significantly more effective than RN in improving ESS (p < 0.01) and FSS (p < 0.01), while PSQI showed improvement but was less significant after correction. Overall, DRT demonstrated superior effectiveness compared to RN. CONCLUSION: Deep Relaxation Technique is an effective non-pharmacological intervention for improving sleep quality and reducing daytime sleepiness and fatigue. It was found to be more effective than Raga Neelambari. These findings support the use of relaxation techniques as a simple, safe, and cost-effective approach for managing sleep-related problems.