Efficacy of Trataka Kriya in Improving Quality of Sleep in population aged 30-50 years: An open clinical trial

Background: In present era, Sleeplessness and disturbed sleep is a common disorder associated with morbidity and poor quality of life. In Ayurveda, Sleep is included under three supportive pillars of life (trayopasthambha). More than 50-70 million people in the United States have a sleep disorder i. In India prevalence rates are 6.5% among women and 4.3% among men. Trataka is one of the Shat Karma (yogic purificatory therapy) but is also observed to be having effects similar to meditative practices. It relieves mental stress so can improve sleep quality. Aim: To study the effect of Trataka Kriya in improving Quality of sleep-in population aged 30- 50 years. Objective: To evaluate the change in subjective and objective parameters on Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) & WHO-QOL Bref Questionnaire. Materials and Methodology: Part 1: Survey Study: A survey was conducted in 100 subjects to understand the distribution of sleep disorder in the population. Part 2: Interventional Study: From the participants of the survey 35 subjects were selected who reported sleep disturbance (decreased sleep). After Day 0 Assessment of the PSQI & WHO-QOL BREF Scales, Training session on Trataka Kriya was given to the subjects and were advised to continue the practice for 15 days. Re-assessment of the objective Scales was done on Day 15. Results: PSQI SCORE: Based on the observations there was a significant improvement (p= <0.001) in PSQI Global score. WHO-QOL BREF: There was a significant improvement (p= <0.001, p = 0.016) respectively in the Physical & Psychological Health Domains in WHO=QOL BREF questionnaire. However, no significant changes observed in overall quality of life (p=1.000), overall quality of general health (p=I.000), Domain Social Relationships (p=I.000), Environmental Health (p=I.000). Conclusion: It can be concluded that Trataka Kriya is effective in improving the quality of sleep in population aged 30-50 years.