Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Diaphragmatic Breathing on Sleep Disturbances in Chemotherapy Patients

Sleep disturbance is one of the most frequently reported symptoms among patientsundergoing chemotherapy. Multiple factors contribute to impaired sleep in thispopulation, including treatment‐related side effects, psychological stress, fatigue,pain, and inflammatory responses associated with cancer and its treatment. Poor sleepquality may adversely affect treatment adherence, physical functioning, emotional health,and overall quality of life.Non‐pharmacological interventions have gained increasing attention as safe andcost‐effective approaches for managing sleep disturbances in cancer patients. ProgressiveMuscle Relaxation is a technique that involves systematic contraction and relaxation ofspecific muscle groups to reduce physical tension and promote relaxation. DiaphragmaticBreathing focuses on slow, deep breathing using the diaphragm to enhance parasympatheticnervous system activity and reduce physiological arousal.This study will employ a randomized controlled trial design. Eligible chemotherapypatients who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly allocated to either anintervention group or a control group. Participants in the intervention group willreceive a structured program consisting of Progressive Muscle Relaxation andDiaphragmatic Breathing exercises in addition to routine medical care. Participants inthe control group will receive routine medical care only.Sleep outcomes will be evaluated before and after the intervention period using thePittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, sleep diary recordings, and wearable sleep monitoringdevices. The findings of this study may provide evidence regarding the effectiveness ofcombined relaxation and breathing techniques as supportive interventions for improvingsleep quality among patients undergoing chemotherapy.