Published Paper Details:

BACKGROUND: Insomnia is one of the most common psychosomatic diseases that often disturb family routine, lifestyle and lead to negative health consequences. The intensity of sleep disturbance is increased during COVID19 lockdown. AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness of tele-yoga therapy on functional impairment and sleep quality in patient with insomnia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 30 year old female pursuing PhD along with taking care of family including a son aged 7 year, was referred by a psychiatrist for yoga therapy. Tele-yoga therapy included yogic counseling, diet modifications, herbal medicine, asana and pranayama; tele-yoga therapy session for 1 hour per day, 2 days per week for 3 months were given while 2 times per day for daily at home was advised. Insomnia severity index (ISI) was assessed as well as self-reported blood pressure by the patient before and after intervention. RESULTS: Assessment of pre-intervention ISI score was 21, indicating clinical insomnia, with moderate severity and self-recorded blood pressure (BP) 143/84 on average of three days before intervention using digital BP apparatus. Post ISI score 14 and BP 128/80 on average of latest three days after 3 months of tele-yoga therapy. The difference of ISI score showed improvement in clinical insomnia to sub-threshold and reduced systolic BP by 15 mmHg. CONCLUSION: Findings support the reliability of tele-yoga therapy in insomnia. The patient reported experience of calmness of mind and mental peace. This report showed good concordance with measures of daytime function, as well as improved sleep quality and duration.