EFFECT OF LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION ON ELDERLY WOMEN AFFECTED WITH INSOMNIA

Abstract

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulties in both falling and staying asleep. Current research indicates 10% to 30% of adults, especially over the age of 60, are at a higher risk of insomnia. This study explores the impact of exercise and a vegetarian diet on specific physiological, biochemical, and psychological factors in elderly women suffering insomnia. A randomized controlled trial, involving 120 participants divided into three groups of 40. Group A received both a vegetarian diet and exercise interventions; Group B engaged in exercise alone, while Group C acted as a control group with no interventions, allowing for the assessment of various outcomes. Statistically significant differences were observed in all chosen physiological (BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure), biochemical (low-density lipoprotein, ppbs), and psychological factors (Insomnia Severity Index) following training with a Sattvic diet when comparing pre-test and post-test results from Group A and Group B. Group A showed a remarkable improvement, especially for low-density lipoprotein, postprandial blood sugar, and insomnia severity index, with mean values of 134.13±13.82, 133.83±21.54, and 13.23±1.99, respectively, thus enhancing a good quality of sleep compared to Group B. In conclusion, changes in lifestyle with regular physical activity and a vegetarian diet can greatly enhance the sleep quality in older women.