Effect of trataka (yogic gazing) on insomnia severity and quality of sleep in people with insomnia.

INTRODUCTION: Insomnia or sleeplessness is a common disorder associated with morbidity and poor quality of life. Trataka is one of the six cleansing techniques of yoga. Literature suggests that trataka could help in relieving insomnia. A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of trataka on insomnia severity and quality of sleep (QoS) in people with insomnia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine participants with insomnia were recruited, who underwent trataka (45 minutes per day daily) for a period of 10 days. Insomnia severity and QoS were assessed before and after the intervention using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), respectively. RESULTS: This study showed a significant reduction in ISI score and PSQI global score and its associated subscale scores except sleep medication scores after the intervention. CONCLUSION: Trataka may be considered as a treatment modality in reducing insomnia severity and in improving QoS in people with insomnia.

A 'benign' condition masquerading as arthritis.

A 9 year-old boy presented with a 3-week history of low-grade fever, on and off, and additive arthritis of the lower limb joints with no overt antecedent trauma. Investigations for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), reactive and tuberculous arthritis were normal. He was started on anti-inflammatory drugs as for seronegative oligoarticular JIA. Since arthritis persisted despite treatment, MRI of the left knee joint was planned prior to an aspiration/synovial biopsy. MRI revealed a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament with a significant effusion. On careful re-examination, at this point, he was found to have generalised hypermobility with a Beighton score of 9/9. This had been missed initially, leading to a delay in diagnosis and management. He was managed with careful physiotherapy and lifestyle modification. The left knee effusion resolved within a month. This case is being reported in order to highlight the fact that joint hypermobility syndrome can be misdiagnosed as arthritis.