The effects of relaxation therapy on the sleep of patients with generalized anxiety disorder

Objective To explore the effect of relaxation treatment (RT) on the sleep quality of patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).Methods Ninety-two GAD patients were recruited and evenly divided into a study group (n =46) and a control group.The control group was treated with conventional medications,while the study group received RT in addition.The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and polysomnography (PSG) were used to test for changes in sleep before and after treatment.Results There were no significant differences between the two groups before treatment in terms of average PSQI scores or PSG results.After treatment,both groups scored significantly better on the PSQI than before the treatment.PSG showed that after treatment there was less awakening,greater sleep efficiency and longer total sleep time.There was shorter sleep latency and rapid eye movement sleep latency,shorter duration of shallow sleep,and longer duration of deep sleep and rapid eye movement sleep in the study group,as well as fewer awakenings,greater sleep efficiency and longer total sleep time.The PSQI and PSG results of the two groups after treatment were significantly different.Conclusions RT can significantly improve sleep disorders in GAD patients. Key words: Relaxation treatment;  Generalized anxiety disorder;  Sleep