Acm 2017 0046
Acm 2017 0046
Acm 2017 0046
SHORT REPORT
Abstract
Given today’s hurried and stressful heathcare system, nurses need mechanisms to take care of themselves,
promote their own wellness, and build resilience in managing sick patients. Yoga is one such mechanism; it can
decrease anxiety and improve sleep and quality of life. In this pilot study, nine nurses participated in 6 weekly
sessions of yoga nidra. Measures of sleep, stress, and muscle fatigue were obtained to determine whether yoga
had a positive impact upon quality of life and stress. Although based on a small sample of nurses, results
indicated positive findings for both perceived stress level and muscle fatigue. This pilot study demonstrated the
potential benefit of yoga in stress reduction, muscle tension, and self-care in nurses.
1
2 ANDERSON ET AL.
completion of all six sessions, the participants were asked to session. Participants appreciated a reduction in muscle ten-
complete a poststudy questionnaire 4 weeks after the study’s sion as well. Although at face value yoga appears to be a
conclusion, asking about the change in their overall stress viable option for self-care, this pilot study is recommended
level, muscular tension, and sleep patterns. to be expanded to include not only a larger sample size but
other healthcare staff within an acute care setting as well. It
Results is hoped that the evidence obtained from larger studies will
support the use of yoga nidra for nurses and encourage
There were notable differences between the pre- and
hospital systems to routinely offer yoga among available
postsession muscle tension scores for all sessions with the
mechanisms of self-care.
exception of weeks 3 and 6. The average muscle tension
score for all sessions was higher than the average post-
Author Disclosure Statement
muscle tension score (pre-2.13, post-1.17), which is con-
sistent with this hypothesis. Although only sessions 4 and 5 No competing financial interests exist.
showed a positive change within the session with regard
to perceived stress levels, the average pre- and postsession References
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sources, including physical, mental, and emotional chal-
lenges of caring for sick patients; maneuvering in ever- Address correspondence to:
changing hospital systems and operations; and having more Roberta Anderson, MSN, RN-BC
demands placed on them to do more with limited resources. Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System
When given the opportunity to practice yoga as a mecha- 300 North Wolfe Street
nism to build resilience and for self-care, psychiatric nurses Baltimore, MD 21287-2182
valued this practice. Most participants reported some im-
provement in their perception of stress after their yoga E-mail: [email protected]