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

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.