Laughter Yoga and Sleep Hygiene Training for College Students With Premenstrual Syndrome

Overview

This study aims to evaluate the effects of laughter yoga and sleep hygiene training on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, perceived stress levels, and sleep quality among nursing students.Premenstrual syndrome is a common health issue characterized by physical symptoms as well as emotional fluctuations, anxiety, depressive mood, and behavioral changes, which can negatively impact quality of life. Additionally, it is known that stress is a significant risk factor that exacerbates PMS symptoms, and that healthy lifestyle behaviors may be effective in alleviating these symptoms. In this context, it has been reported that yoga and similar relaxation-based practices support mental well-being by reducing stress levels.The intervention consists of laughter yoga and sleep hygiene education, implemented as non-pharmacological methods over a 4-week period.Participants were assessed at baseline, immediately following the intervention, and during the 1-month follow-up period. The primary objective is to observe improved sleep quality alongside reductions in PMS symptoms and stress levels in participants as a result of the intervention. The findings are expected to contribute to the effectiveness of non-pharmacological, low-cost, and feasible approaches in managing PMS symptoms, as well as addressing stress and sleep quality.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common health issue characterized by emotional fluctuations, anxiety, depressive mood, and behavioral changes, in addition to physical symptoms that can negatively impact quality of life. PMS can lead to a decline in quality of life by negatively affecting an individual's social life, psychological well-being, emotional balance, and dietary habits; in some individuals, it can develop into a severe condition that significantly restricts daily life. Within the multifaceted nature of PMS, stress emerges as a significant risk factor; it is noted that stress can increase symptom severity, elevate the frequency of traumatic life experiences, and underlie sleep disturbances in individuals. Deterioration in sleep quality further exacerbates this process, being associated with fatigue, emotional fluctuations, and a decline in overall well-being. While non-pharmacological methods are used to mitigate or prevent these effects on the individual, laughter yoga-based interventions remain limited. This study evaluates laughter yoga-a low-cost, feasible non-pharmacological method that incorporates simulated laughter, rhythmic breathing, gentle movements, and meditation-examining its effects on PMS management, stress-related hormone (cortisol) levels, and sleep quality.The intervention consisted of laughter yoga and sleep hygiene training administered over a 4-week period. Sleep hygiene training was provided during the first session of laughter yoga. Participants were assessed at different time points: at baseline, immediately following the intervention, and at the 1-month follow-up. The primary objective of the study is to assess changes in PMS levels, stress, and sleep quality over time among university students and to determine the sustainability of the intervention's effects during the follow-up period. This study contributes to the literature on nonpharmacological methods used to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions on PMS levels, stress, and sleep quality.