Progressive muscle relaxation improves subjective sleep quality in adults
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials (957 participants) found that progressive muscle relaxation significantly improved sleep quality (Hedges g = -1.24, 95% CI -1.71 to -0.77, p < 0.001). Improvements were seen in both cancer and non-cancer patients, but the effect was not significant in adults aged 55 years and older. The number of PMR sessions was not associated with sleep quality improvements.
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Progressive muscle relaxation improves subjective sleep quality in adults The current body of evidence comprises 1 study and 1 meta-analysis. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 49/100 (low).
The Claim
Progressive muscle relaxation improves subjective sleep quality in adults
This conclusion is most relevant to: Adults with sleep complaints, including cancer patients and non-cancer patients, across various age groups.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸The effects of progressive muscle relaxation on sleep quality in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. (Frontiers in public health, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and relaxing muscle groups sequentially
- ▸This practice reduces physiological arousal and muscle tension
- ▸Reduced arousal and tension promote relaxation and facilitate sleep onset
- ▸Result: Improved subjective sleep quality
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Adults with sleep complaints, including cancer patients and non-cancer patients, across various age groups
Recommended Dose
N/A (number of sessions not associated with effect)
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸High heterogeneity (I² = 85.5%) across studies, indicating variability in results
- ▸No significant effect observed in adults aged 55 years and older, suggesting uncertainty in this subgroup
- ▸Potential publication bias not fully addressed in abstract
Frequently Asked Questions
Does progressive muscle relaxation improve sleep quality in adults?▼
Yes, the meta-analysis found a significant improvement in sleep quality with a large effect size (Hedges g = -1.24).
Is progressive muscle relaxation effective for older adults?▼
The effect was not statistically significant in adults aged 55 years and older, so its effectiveness in this group remains uncertain.
Does the number of PMR sessions matter?▼
No, meta-regression did not find a significant association between the number of sessions and sleep quality improvement.
Is PMR effective for cancer patients?▼
Yes, significant improvements were observed in cancer patients (Hedges g = -1.17), though the effect was slightly smaller than in non-cancer patients.
References
- 1.Li K, Chen S, Liu Y, Yu N. “The effects of progressive muscle relaxation on sleep quality in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials..” Frontiers in public health, 2026. PMID: 42625730 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1906525