Effect of Benson Relaxation Technique on Sleep Quality and Fatigue for Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Hamdi Kamal Khalil, Nagla; Mohmmed Abouelala, Fatma; Hemed Hamad, Amal; Mohamed Elesawy, Fatma

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2021.226267

Effect of Benson Relaxation Technique on Sleep Quality and Fatigue for Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Assistant professor of medical surgical nursing, Faculty of nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt.

² Lecturer of medical surgical nursing, Faculty of nursing, Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt.

³ Lecturer of medical surgical nursing, Faculty of nursing, Zagazig University, Egypt.

⁴ Lecturer of medical surgical nursing, Faculty of nursing, South Valley University, Egypt.

10.21608/ejhc.2021.226267

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis patients generally suffer from fatigue and sleep disturbances,
which can impede their daily activities. The Benson relaxation technique is one of the
complementary therapies that have been shown to provide benefits including improved sleep and
decreasing fatigue level. Aims: To evaluate the effect of the Benson relaxation technique on sleep
quality and fatigue for patients with multiple sclerosis. Setting: The study was carried out at the
multiple sclerosis outpatient clinic in Zagazig University Hospital, Egypt. Design: A quiz
experimental study was conducted. Subject: A purposive sample of 40 patients with multiple
sclerosis, both sex with the patients' Expanded Disability Status Scale score ≤ 5.0. Tools of data
collection included: Four tools were included Demographics and medical-related questionnaire,
Fatigue Severity Scale was used to measure fatigue, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale was used to
measure fatigue impact on daily activities, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used for
measuring the sleep quality. Results: There was a significant statistically difference in sleep quality,
fatigue total mean scores before and after the practice of Benson relaxation technique (p < 0.001).
Also, there was a significant statistically positive correlation between the fatigue severity scores and
modified fatigue impact scores before and after the practice of Benson relaxation technique.
Conclusion: The practice of Benson relaxation technique is effective in decreasing fatigue and
improving sleep quality for patients with multiple sclerosis. Recommendation: Applying Benson
relaxation technique to therapeutic routine management of multiple sclerosis patients.

Keywords