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Benson relaxation exercise reduces anxiety levels and improves sleep quality in adolescents receiving inpatient psychiatric treatment

In a randomized controlled trial of 60 adolescents in a psychiatric clinic, those performing Benson relaxation exercise five times had significantly lower state anxiety and better sleep quality at post-test (Day 6) and follow-up (Day 10) compared to the control group. The intervention group showed sustained improvements over the 10-day study period.

Last updated: Jul 23, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score42/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Effect of Benson Relaxation Exercise on Anxiety Level and Sleep Quality in Adolescents Receiving Inpatient Treatment in a Psychiatric Clinic.

observational

Yalcinturk AA, Gulseven EB, Bicer Y, Gul B · Journal of psychosocial nursing and mental health services (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 10 days
Intervention: Benson relaxation exercise performed five times over the study period
Outcome: State anxiety level (measured by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) and sleep quality (measured by a sleep quality scale)
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Adolescents receiving inpatient treatment in a psychiatric clinic

Result:

PubMed: 42461159DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20260710-03

Mechanism Graph

Benson relaxation exercise induces a relaxation response
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Reduces physiological arousal and stress hormone levels
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Decreases anxiety and promotes calmness
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Improves sleep quality

Limitations

  • ⚠Small sample size (n=60 total, 30 per group) limits generalizability
  • ⚠No blinding of participants or personnel due to the nature of the intervention
  • ⚠Short follow-up period (only 10 days) does not assess long-term effects

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Benson relaxation exercise?▼

Benson relaxation exercise is a mind-body technique that involves deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and focused attention to elicit a relaxation response, often used to reduce stress and anxiety.

How many times did participants perform the exercise?▼

The intervention group performed Benson relaxation exercise five times over the study period, with assessments on Day 6 (post-test) and Day 10 (follow-up).

Was the study randomized?▼

Yes, the study used a randomized controlled experimental design with 30 adolescents in the intervention group and 30 in the control group.

What outcomes were measured?▼

The study measured state anxiety levels and sleep quality, both showing significant improvement in the intervention group compared to controls.

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References

  1. 1.Yalcinturk AA, Gulseven EB, Bicer Y, Gul B. "Effect of Benson Relaxation Exercise on Anxiety Level and Sleep Quality in Adolescents Receiving Inpatient Treatment in a Psychiatric Clinic.." Journal of psychosocial nursing and mental health services, 2026. PMID: 42461159 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20260710-03
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.