In this randomized controlled experimental trial, it is aimed to determine the effectiveness of an osteopathic protocol treatment for insomnia in college students. In this study, will be used the Compression of 4th ventricle (CV4) and the diaphragmatic breathing technique.
Insomnia is a sleep disorder defined by persistent difficulty in initiating, maintaining or consolidating sleep. It can also be defined by early morning awakenings or having a dissatisfied sleep quality, even if you have plenty of time and a suitable environment to a restful sleep. This difficulty sleeping must be experienced at least 3 nights per week, for 3 consecutive months. This can often lead to symptoms such as fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating during the day. Both compression of 4th ventricle and diaphragmatic techniques have been proven to help lower the tone of the sympathetic nervous system, restoring a normal respiratory mechanism. It is anticipated that the combination of 4th ventricle technique and diaphragmatic breathing may result in a significant reduction in insomnia symptoms, providing study participants with a notable improvement in the quality of sleep and, therefore, in their general well-being.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
20
For the CV4 the mediator's hands assume a specific position: one on top of the other, with the tips of the thumbs joined together in a "V" shape, positioned approximately on the process spinous between the patient's second and third cervical vertebrae, pointing downwards.
The participant is instructed to lie down in the supine position while the mediator assumes a position at the head of the table and places their hands on the participant's shoulders. This technique is performed for 5 minutes.
For the diaphragmatic breathing the participant will place one hand on their chest and the other over their abdomen. Both of their hands will be overlapped by the mediator's, so it is easier to feel the correct breathing movements to be performed.
Change from the baseline insomnia episodes and symptoms through Pittsburgh questionnaire score
The insomnia episodes and symptoms are measured using the Pittsburgh questionnaire and it will be applied one month after the first intervention. It is expected that the Pittsburgh score decreases after the intervention is done. A Pittsburgh score higher than 5 is considered to be coincident with a bad sleeping quality. A Pittsburgh score lower than 5 is considered to be coincident with a good sleeping quality. This score goes up to 21 points.
Time frame: One month after the first intervention
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