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.