Progressive Muscle Relaxation Improves Sleep Quality in Gynecological Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Abstract

Background: Sleep disturbance is one of the side effects often experienced by gynecological cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, with a prevalence reaching 40-50% higher than that of other cancer survivors. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is an effective non-pharmacological approach that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and reduces cortisol levels, thereby improving sleep quality. Methods: This study used a quantitative Pre-Experimental One-Group Pretest-Posttest Design with 29 respondents selected through purposive sampling based on the following inclusion criteria: aged 18 years and above, having a PSQI score >5, able to use a mobile phone, and having literacy skills. PMR was performed twice daily for 10 minutes over 21 days. The research instrument used the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire, and the data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test. Results: PMR has a significant effect on improving sleep quality (P-value 0.00). The PSQI score before the intervention was 10.13 ± 2.60 and decreased to 6.30 ± 1.82 after the intervention. Conclusion: Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is effective in improving sleep quality among gynecological cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy when the intervention is administered consistently for 21 days.