Case StudyClinical Research

Yoga Therapy for Chronic Insomnia: Outcomes from a Residential Wellness Setting

Dr. Vikram Singh, Yogi Suresh10 March 202414 min read

Abstract

A case series of 65 patients with chronic insomnia treated with an integrated yoga therapy protocol including asana, pranayama, yoga nidra, and meditation over 14 days. Significant improvements in sleep onset latency, total sleep time, and sleep efficiency were observed.

Chronic insomnia affects approximately 10-15% of the adult population and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, and cognitive decline. Pharmacological treatments carry risks of dependency and side effects.

This case series documents outcomes from 65 patients (ages 28-62) with chronic insomnia who completed the Stress, Sleep & Recovery program at Kshemavana. The yoga therapy protocol included morning hatha yoga, afternoon restorative yoga, evening pranayama (Nadi Shodhana, Bhramari), and bedtime yoga nidra.

Actigraphy data showed mean sleep onset latency decreased from 45 minutes to 18 minutes, total sleep time increased from 5.2 to 6.8 hours, and sleep efficiency improved from 68% to 84%. PSQI scores improved from 14.2 to 6.8 (p<0.001). At 6-month follow-up, 72% of participants maintained improved sleep without medication.

Yoga therapy in a residential nature setting offers a viable non-pharmacological intervention for chronic insomnia with sustained benefits.

Keywords

InsomniaYoga TherapySleepYoga NidraPranayama