Effects of a Brief Yoga Nidra Intervention on Stress, Anxiety, Depression, and Composite Cardiovascular Parameters in Patients with Essential Hypertension

Mandar A. Pawar and V. R. Shinde (Department of Psychology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra)

Essential hypertension (EH), or primary hypertension, is a common and chronic health condition worldwide and a significant risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Often asymptomatic, it is known as a “silent killer”. In India, hypertension is a significant contributor to health-related issues, accounting for 57% of stroke deaths and 24% of deaths due to coronary heart disease. EH is primarily influenced by lifestyle factors, including workout, diet, stress, and sleep. Therefore, non-pharmacological interventions, such as yoga, diet, and stress management, aid in prevention and control. This study examines the effects of yoga nidra intervention on stress, anxiety, depression, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and rate-pressure product (RPP) in patients with EH. One hundred seventy-one male patients with EH from Nashik city were recruited (age range = 35 to 50 years, M = 42.23, SD = 3.60) and randomly assigned to either the yoga nidra or the control group. Guided yoga nidra sessions were conducted over 21 days, with one 1-hour session per day. Participants were tested at three time points-before, mid (11th day), and post-intervention using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (Zigmond & Snaith, 1983) and the Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen et al., 1983). Cardiovascular measures, including blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR), were recorded. Standard Gain score analysis revealed that yoga nidra (YN) significantly reduced participants’ stress, depression, and anxiety. Furthermore, cardiovascular parameters like MAP (Diastolic Pressure + 1/3 (Systolic Pressure-Diastolic Pressure) and RPP (HR x systolic BP) decreased significantly, indicating improved cardiovascular function following the brief YN intervention. Detailed findings and implications are discussed.