Effects of laughter yoga on hemodialysis patients' plasma-beta endorphin levels, pain levels and sleep quality: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

This study evaluates the effects of ?laughter yoga? on the plasma beta-endorphin levels, pain levels and sleep quality of hemodialysis patients. It is a randomized controlled trial. The study was carried out between July and October 2018. A total of 68 patients receiving hemodialysis treatment at two different dialysis centers were included in the study. The duration of the laughter yoga was 30 min, and a total of 16 sessions were performed on a twice-weekly basis. The data were collected by using a socio-demographic information form, the Visual Analog Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and blood samples were collected to determine beta-endorphin levels. Following the laughter yoga implementation, the pain level of the intervention group patients significantly decreased, and their sleep quality significantly improved. No significant change occurred in the patients? beta-endorphin levels. Laughter yoga was effective in reducing pain and increasing sleep quality.