The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises on Fatigue Severity and Sleep Quality Among Emergency Nurses: A Self-Controlled Quasi-Experimental Study.

INTRODUCTION

Nurses working in emergency departments are frequently exposed to fatigue and impaired sleep quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation exercises on fatigue severity and sleep quality among nurses working in the emergency department.

METHODS

This self-controlled quasi-experimental study was conducted with 35 nurses employed in the emergency department of a public hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using the "Nurse Demographic Information Form," the "Fatigue Severity Scale," and the "Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index." The study adhered to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist for reporting.

RESULTS

After the progressive muscle relaxation exercise intervention, the nurses showed significantly lower fatigue severity scores, indicating a meaningful difference and effect (P < .001; partial eta squared = 0.208). Similarly, after the intervention, sleep quality scores were also significantly improved, showing a statistically significant difference and effect (P < .001; partial eta squared = 0.271).

DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates that progressive muscle relaxation exercises are an effective method for reducing fatigue severity and improving sleep quality among emergency nurses.