Effect of an Alternate Nostril Breathing Exercise On Fatigue and Quality of Sleep Pattern Among Pregnant Women in Third Trimester

Ali, Heba Saied Ibrahim; Abd Elglil, , Asmaa Anwar; Mahmoud, Nehal Shalaby Awad

doi:10.21608/tsnj.2024.361832

Effect of an Alternate Nostril Breathing Exercise On Fatigue and Quality of Sleep Pattern Among Pregnant Women in Third Trimester

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Lecturer of Obstetrics & Gynecologic Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt

² Lecturer of Woman’s Health & Midwifery Nursing, Faculty of nursing, Kafr El-Sheikh University, Egypt.

10.21608/tsnj.2024.361832

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy-related problems encompass fatigue and sleep disturbances, which
have adverse effects on quality of life as well as the growth and development of the fetus.
Alternate nostril breathing (ANB) exercise derived from the discipline of yoga, is widely
regarded as one of the most effective and straightforward methods for promoting overall wellbeing and physical vitality. This study aimed to determine the effect of an ANB exercise on
fatigue and quality of sleep pattern among pregnant women in the third trimester. Research
design: A quasi-experimental design was employed at Kafr El-Sheikh General Hospital, Kafr
El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt. Subjects: A convenient sample of 90 pregnant women was
recruited based on certain criteria. Data was gathered using three tools namely, Basic data
structured interview schedule, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Iowa Fatigue Scale
(IFS). Results: There was improve of the sleep quality among participants after intervention
where, the mean score of sleep quality in the study group was (8.6±2.5) compared to
(15.22±2.62) in the control group. A significant decline in fatigue level among participants
after intervention was observed where, the mean score of fatigue was (36.73±4.47) in the
control group compared to (30.9±3.3) in the study group, (p<0.000). Conclusion: The
findings concluded that ANB exercises improved sleep quality and decreased fatigue after 4
weeks of regular practice among pregnant woman in the third trimester. Recommendations:
Integrating ANB exercise as a safe and non- pharmacological intervention for pregnant
women that can improve sleep pattern and enhance level of fatigue, and included as part of
antenatal care.