Effectiveness of mindfulness-based therapy versus progressive muscle relaxation on sleep disturbances among individuals with digital addiction

Abstract

Introduction: Digital addiction refers to an impulse control disorder characterized by compulsive use of digital devices, mobile phones, online platforms and digital gadgets. Individuals suffer from poor sleep quality that affects the mental health due to digital addiction. Objective: To compare the effects of mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) on sleep disturbances among individuals with digital addiction. Methods: Sixty participants were recruited based on the eligibility criteria. Initially, participants were screened for digital addiction using validated questionnaire circulated through Google forms. Sleep disturbances were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). The participants were randomly allocated (1:1) into two groups: MBT group (n = 30) received MBT for 30 minutes per session, five days a week and additional 10 minutes of daily home practice for eight weeks; and PMR group (n = 30) received PMR for 30 minutes per session, five days a week and additional 10 minutes of daily home practice for eight weeks. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.0. Results: Post-test PSQI mean ± standard deviation values were 5.50 ± 0.97 for MBT and 7.00 ± 0.79 for PMR, and post-test ISI values were 7.50 ± 1.04 for MBT and 9.00 ± 0.79 for PMR. MBT significantly improved sleep disruptions compared with PMR (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Both therapies effectively reduced sleep disturbances in those with digital addiction, although MBT was more effective.