THE SLEEP--MIND--BODY CONNECTION IN MIDDLE ADULTHOOD: EXPLORING YOGA AS A PATHWAY TO REDUCE THE OVERLAP OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ILLNESS

Abstract

Background: Middle adulthood is a critical phase often marked by overlapping physical illnesses such as hypertension and psychological issues, including stress, anxiety, and poor sleep. Addressing this overlap requires holistic interventions that nurture both mind and body. This study explored yoga as an integrative therapy to reduce comorbidity vand promote overall well-being. Aim. To assess the effectiveness of an eight-week yoga intervention in improving sleep quality, mental well-being, and physiological health among adults aged 35- 55 years. Methodology. A single-group, pre-post interventional study was conducted with forty participants (N = 37) aged 35--55 years who reported experiencing stress and sleep disturbances. The intervention was a structured 8-week yoga program consisting of 45-minute sessions held ve days per week, incorporating Hatha Yoga, Breathing Meditation Exercises, and Yoga Nidra. Data were collected at baseline and post-intervention using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale (GAD-7). Physiological parameters, including blood pressure and heart rate, were also measured. Pre- and post-intervention comparisons were analyzed using paired-samples t-tests. Results. Significant improvements were observed in sleep quality (p < .001), stress (p < .001), and anxiety (p < .001). Systolic blood pressure and heart rate also showed significant reductions (p < .05). Conclusion. The eight-week integrated yoga program demonstrated substantial improvements in sleep quality, mental well-being, and physiological health. These results highlight yoga as a holistic, non-pharmacological approach to harmonise the sleep--mind-- body connection and address the intertwined physical and mental health challenges of middle adulthood.