Brief Stress Reduction Technique Improves Sleep, Reduces Fatigue

By Rick Nauert PhDSenior News Editor
Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on October 23, 2012

A new study presented at the American College of Chest Physicians’ annual meeting suggests that a simple stress reduction technique could help individuals relieve stress, improve sleep quality and decrease fatigue.

Researchers from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., investigated the benefit of the technique, called the 10-minute Tension Tamer, among 334 patients in a heart health program.

Participants received a 30-minute introduction on the program then were given instruction and guided opportunities to practice the technique over the course of four 30-minute visits with a stress management specialist.

The brief technique involves deep breathing and imagery using the subject’s personal preference. Instructors advised participants to perform the technique at bedtime.

Among the study participants, 65 percent improved their perceived stress by 6.6 points and reported better sleep quality, decreased sleep latency and decreased fatigue.

Those that did not improve showed stress levels that worsened by 4.6 points.

Source: American College of Chest Physicians