Relaxation Therapy Vs Sensorimotor Training for Improving Sleep Architecture in Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
- 10.12.2025
- Original Article
- Verfasst von
- Tarushi Tanwar
- Mosab Aldabbas
- Iram Iram
- Zubia Veqar
- Erschienen in
- Sleep and Vigilance
Abstract
Purpose
A distinct combination of aspects, such as educational pursuits, booming jobs, changing social life, and growing responsibilities, defines early adulthood. When these factors converge, they give rise to distinctive sleep-related issues that are concerning yet poorly understood. Research on the importance of sleep and potential solutions to improve electrophysiological sleep parameters in young adults remains limited. Thus, this pilot study aimed to compare the effects of non-pharmacological, exercise-based physical therapy treatments, such as relaxation exercises and sensorimotor training, on the sleep architecture of young adults with poor sleep quality.
Methods
In this multiple, parallel-arm, randomised controlled pilot trial, nine male young adults were divided into three groups (two interventional and one control) who underwent progressive muscle relaxation exercises and sensorimotor training. Their electrophysiology of sleep was assessed using polysomnography pre- and post-intervention.
Results
Repeated measures ANOVA showed significant group*time interactions for various sleep parameters, specifically sleep onset latency [F(2,6) = 6.65, P = 0.03], wakefulness [F(2,6) = 10.33, P = 0.01], N1 [F(2,6) = 13.52, P = 0.006], and REM sleep [F(2,6) = 19.20, P = 0.002]. All significant variables exhibited a large effect size (ηp2 > 0.14).
Conclusion
This pilot study suggests that both relaxation and sensorimotor training enhanced sleep architecture in young adults experiencing poor sleep quality. Relaxation therapy was more efficacious in reducing sleep onset latency, whereas sensorimotor training yielded more significant decreases in wakefulness and improved REM sleep. The findings provide preliminary evidence that structured, non-pharmacological physiotherapeutic interventions can positively affect objective sleep parameters, warranting confirmation in larger future trials.
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- Titel
- Relaxation Therapy Vs Sensorimotor Training for Improving Sleep Architecture in Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
- Verfasst von
-
Tarushi Tanwar
Mosab Aldabbas
Iram Iram
Zubia Veqar
- Publikationsdatum
- 10.12.2025
- Verlag
- Springer Nature Singapore
- Erschienen in
-
Sleep and Vigilance
Elektronische ISSN: 2510-2265 - DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s41782-025-00329-3
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