Effectiveness of Deep Breathing Exercises on Obstructive Sleep Apnea among Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus Patients

Abstract

Objective(s): the study aims to determine the effectiveness of deep breathing exercises on obstructive sleep apnea among type II diabetic mellitus patients.

Methods: A quasi-experimental design was carried out on diabetic patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea through application of intervention program to determine its effectiveness on their sleep apnea. A non-probability (purposive) samples was selected for the purpose of the study, the study started from the first of December 2022 to 30^th May 2023. The sample included 40 patients, divided to 2 groups, study group who applied deep breathing exercises for 6 weeks, and control group with no intervention. The questionnaire and the program contents’ validity was determined by a panel of (20) experts to evaluate their clarity, relevance, and appropriateness for the accomplishment of the study. The reliability of the instrument, was done through the use of a test-retest method, where the result was = (0.867) was determined which is acceptable. Data was analyzed using SPSS VERSION 23.

Results: There was a significant improvement in the study group after applying deep breathing exercises, where the percentage of improvement of sleep quality and reduce episode of sleep apnea was equal to (85%), while the percentage of risk of obstructive sleep apnea in the control group was equal to (100%).

Conclusions: The study confirmed the effectiveness of intervention program for deep breathing exercises on reduce sleep episodes and health-related quality of life. 

Recommendations: The study recommends the application of current intervention program in the Iraqi hospitals and centers and the need for further studies on more representative sample.