Online laughter yoga improves sleep quality and reduces burnout symptoms in nurses
In a pilot randomized trial with 47 nurses, online laughter yoga significantly improved sleep quality (p=0.009), emotional exhaustion (p=0.006), and personal accomplishment (p=0.006) with large effect sizes, while face-to-face and control groups showed no significant changes. No significant differences in perceived stress were observed across groups.
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Online laughter yoga improves sleep quality and reduces burnout symptoms in nurses The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 44/100 (low).
The Claim
Online laughter yoga improves sleep quality and reduces burnout symptoms in nurses
This conclusion is most relevant to: Nurses working in shift-based and demanding clinical settings at a public hospital.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Online vs. face-to-face laughter yoga to support nurses' well-being: A pilot randomized trial. (Work (Reading, Mass.), 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Laughter yoga induces physiological relaxation
- ▸Reduces cortisol and stress-related hormones
- ▸Improves mood and emotional regulation
- ▸Result: Enhanced sleep quality and reduced burnout symptoms
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Nurses working in shift-based and demanding clinical settings at a public hospital
Recommended Dose
Four sessions over two weeks
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Small sample size (n=47) limits generalizability
- ▸Technical barriers such as internet access and connectivity issues may affect online delivery
- ▸Pilot study with no long-term follow-up data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is online laughter yoga?▼
Online laughter yoga is a virtual group intervention combining laughter exercises with yogic breathing, delivered via video conferencing.
How many sessions were needed to see improvements?▼
The study used four sessions over two weeks, and significant improvements in sleep and burnout were observed postintervention.
Did the face-to-face laughter yoga group show any benefits?▼
No, the face-to-face group did not show statistically significant changes in sleep quality or burnout in this pilot study.
Is online laughter yoga effective for reducing stress in nurses?▼
The study found no significant changes in perceived stress levels for any group, but online laughter yoga improved sleep and burnout symptoms.
References
- 1.Topsakal Ö, Erdenilgen Ö, Yılmaz R, Dönmez P. “Online vs. face-to-face laughter yoga to support nurses' well-being: A pilot randomized trial..” Work (Reading, Mass.), 2026. PMID: 42530535 DOI: 10.1177/10519815261472875