The Effectiveness of Autogenic Relaxation on Sleep Quality and Fatigue Levels in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Abstract
Fatigue and sleep disturbances are two common symptoms experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. These conditions negatively impact quality of life and the effectiveness of treatment. One promising non-pharmacological approach is autogenic relaxation, a relaxation technique that combines self-suggestion, controlled breathing, and focused attention on bodily sensations to achieve physical and mental calmness. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of autogenic relaxation in improving sleep quality and reducing fatigue levels in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest and control group. A total of 30 patients were divided into two groups: intervention (n = 15) and control (n = 15). The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. The intervention was conducted for two weeks, twice a day, using an audio guide. Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and fatigue was assessed using the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS). The intervention group showed a decrease in mean PSQI scores from 11.2 to 8.1 (p = 0.017) and FAS scores from 34.5 to 28.3 (p = 0.031). Data analysis was performed using the Shapiro–Wilk normality test, followed by the Wilcoxon test for analysis within groups, and the Mann–Whitney test for between groups. The control group did not show any significant changes. These results indicate that autogenic relaxation stimulates a physiological relaxation response that contributes to improved sleep and reduced fatigue. Autogenic relaxation is an effective and applicable non-pharmacological supportive intervention for cancer patients during chemotherapy.
References
Astutik, W. S., Nuraida, N., & Setiawan, H. (2022). Intervention of Autogenic Relaxation on Lowering Pain Scale in Head Injury Patients: A Case Study. International Journal of Nursing and Health Services (IJNHS), 5(4), 368–373.
Bahaji1, A. F., Zahrani, K. F., Ayu, P., & Bayani, Z. (n.d.). Tantangan Dan Peluang Pemanfaatan Platform Satusehat Mobile Dalam Deteksi Risiko Penyakit Kanker: Sebuah Kajian Literatur.
Barclay, U., Curtis-Hughes, O., Evans, M., & Raval, H. (2024). Cancer in Low-and Middle-Income Countries. In A Healthcare Students Introduction to Global Health: Low-and Middle Income Countries (pp. 151–158). Springer.
Büttner-Teleagă, A., Kim, Y.-T., Osel, T., & Richter, K. (2021). Sleep disorders in cancer—a systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(21), 11696.
de Diego-Cordero, R., Suárez-Reina, P., Badanta, B., Lucchetti, G., & Vega-Escaño, J. (2022). The efficacy of religious and spiritual interventions in nursing care to promote mental, physical and spiritual health: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Applied Nursing Research, 67, 151618.
Dun, L., Xian-Yi, W., Si-Ting, H., & Xin-Yuan, Y. (2022). Effects of sleep interventions on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life in cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Supportive Care in Cancer, 30(4), 3043–3055.
Kalselprov, A. D. (2023). hasil-ssgi-angka-prevalensi-stunting-di-provinsi-kalimantan-selatan-menjadi-salah-satu-provinsi-dengan-penurunan-stunting-tertinggi-5-4@ dinkes. kalselprov. go. id. Dinas Kesehatan Provinsi Kalimantan Selatan. Dinas Kesehatan Provinsi Kalimantan Selatan. http://dinkes. kalselprov. go ….
Kazemi, A., Goodarzi, M., Daneshipour, K., Sarabadani, H., Shahpar, Z., Hajiagha, B. S., Kheradjoo, H., & Mohammadzadehsaliani, S. (2023). Unrevealing the vital role of ncRNAs in Gastric Cancer chemoresistance. Pathology-Research and Practice, 250, 154761.
Kohlert, A., Wick, K., & Rosendahl, J. (2022). Autogenic training for reducing chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 1–12.
Lu, Y., Jin, X., Feng, L.-W., Tang, C. S. K., Neo, M., & Ho, R. C. (2022). Effects of illness perception on negative emotions and fatigue in chronic rheumatic diseases: Rumination as a possible mediator. World Journal of Clinical Cases, 10(34), 12515.
Momayyezi, M., Fallahzadeh, H., Farzaneh, F., & Momayyezi, M. (2021). Sleep quality and cancer-related fatigue in patients with cancer. Journal of Caring Sciences, 10(3), 145.
Novita, F., & Wahyuningsih, B. D. (2024). Penerapan Relaksasi Autogenik Dalam Mengatasi Gangguan Pola Tidur Pada Pasien Hipertensi Di Rsud Sidoarjo. Perpustakaan Universitas Bina Sehat PPNI Mojokerto.
Ramirez-Garcia, M. P., Leclerc-Loiselle, J., Gagnon, M.-P., Côté, J., Brouillette, M.-J., & Thomas, R. (2021). A mixed-method randomized feasibility trial evaluating progressive muscle relaxation or autogenic training on depressive symptoms and quality of life in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who have depressive symptoms. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 18(1), 165–174.
Vaziri, N., Shakourifar, M., Sattari, P., Sadeghi, A., Sharifi, M., Moghadas, A., & Moghaddas, A. (2025). Melatonin Aids in Treating Mood and Sleep Problems Resulting from Hormonal Therapy in Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research: IJPR, 23(1), e156581.
Wang, Y., Yang, L., Lin, G., Huang, B., Sheng, X., Wang, L., Chen, L., Qiu, X., Wu, X., & Lin, R. (2024). The efficacy of progressive muscle relaxation training on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life in patients with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 152, 104694.
Copyright (c) 2025 Indonesian Journal of Global Health Research
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
