Effect of laughter yoga on fatigue, sleep quality and psychological well-being in people with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, vol.109, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 109
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.msard.2026.107098
- Journal Name: Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE
- Keywords: Laughter yoga, Multiple sclerosis, Nurse, Psychological well-being, Sleep quality fatigue
- Ataturk University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Background and purpose: Symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and impaired psychological well-being are common in individuals Multiple Sclerosis (MS). However, studies on the use of laughter yoga, a non-invasive intervention method, are very limited in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of laughter yoga on fatigue, sleep quality and psychological well-being in individuals with MS. Materials and methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 42 people with MS were randomly assigned to intervention or control group. The intervention group received a total of 12 sessions of laughter yoga. Descriptive Information Form, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS) were used to collect data. Results: Laughter yoga was associated with improvements in fatigue and sleep outcomes. Fatigue severity decreased substantially in the intervention group (Cohen's d = 2.785), with no meaningful change observed in the control group. Sleep quality improved in the intervention group, as indicated by reduced Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores (p < 0.001, d = 2.921). Psychological well-being increased within the intervention group (d = -1.505); however, the between-group effect at post-test was small (d = 0.485). Conclusion: Laughter yoga showed statistically significant results in terms of decreasing fatigue level, increasing sleep quality and psychological well-being in individuals with MS. The findings suggest that laughter yoga is a low-cost and effective complementary psycho-social intervention that can be used in clinical settings within the scope of nursing practice. This intervention offers an evidence-based approach that can be integrated into nursing care to manage fatigue and sleep problems and improve psychological well-being in individuals with MS. For the generalizability of the effects of laughter yoga, studies with larger samples are needed.