How Can we Improve the Comfort Level and Sleep Quality After Surgery?

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of progressive relaxation exercises on the comfort level and sleep quality of patients undergoing lumbar disc herniation surgery. The study was conducted between July 2015 and October 2016 in the neurosurgery clinic. The sample consisted of 96 patients (n = 56, experimental patients; n = 40 control patients) randomized into groups. The data was collected by using the personal information form, The Perianesthesia Comfort Questionnaire, The General Comfort Questionnaire and Visual Analog Sleep Scale. In the postoperative General Comfort Scale that there was a statistically significant difference between the mean of the control group and experimental group on the final test (P <.05). When the Visual Analog Sleep Scale mean of the experimental and control group patients were compared between the groups, there was a statistically significant difference on the postoperative 2nd day and 3rd day (P <.05). This study supports previous work that progressive relaxation exercises are feasible and effective to improve patient comfort levels after lumbar disc surgery.