The Effectiveness of Yoga on Fatigue, Chronic Pain, Sleep Quality, and Psychological Well-Being in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Babak  SaebDoost; Shahab Moradi; Parvin  Rafieinia; Maryam Izadi Mazidi

Authors

Babak SaebDoost Department of Psychology, Se.C., Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3533-8361
Shahab Moradi Department of Psychology, Se.C., Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran Corresponding Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1587-7345
Parvin Rafieinia Associate professor, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2771-1630
Maryam Izadi Mazidi Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Yasouj, Yasouj, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8928-0322

Keywords:

Type 2 diabetes, yoga, fatigue, sleep quality, psychological well-being

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic metabolic diseases and, in addition to its physical complications, has profound effects on patients’ mental health and quality of life. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of yoga exercises in improving fatigue, sleep quality, and psychological well-being among patients with type 2 diabetes. This study employed a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of patients with type 2 diabetes who attended the Tehran Diabetes Association and comprehensive health service centers affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences during 2025–2026. Participants were selected through random sampling and assigned to a yoga group (n = 16) and a control group (n = 16). Participants in the yoga group attended 16 sessions of yoga training, each lasting 60 minutes. Data were collected using standardized measures of fatigue, sleep quality, the McGill Pain Questionnaire, and Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scales and were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The results indicated that the yoga intervention significantly reduced fatigue and chronic pain and improved sleep quality and psychological well-being among patients with type 2 diabetes. The greatest improvements were observed in the reduction of chronic pain and enhancement of sleep quality. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of yoga exercises in managing symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes. Given the specific benefits of this approach, it is recommended that pharmacological treatment programs be complemented by yoga exercises tailored to patients’ individual needs.

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