The Effects of Laughter Yoga on Sleep Quality, Vitality, Active Aging, and Quality of Life in Elderly Individuals

Laughter yoga offers various approaches and insights related to humor, is low-cost, and can be easily practiced regardless of time and place, making it a highly effective and practical intervention. Research on the physiological health effects of laughter yoga has demonstrated that it enhances muscle activation, relaxes muscles, increases respiratory rate, stimulates circulation, improves oxygen saturation, reduces stress hormones (e.g., adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol), elevates beta-endorphin levels, alleviates pain, and enhances cognitive function. Additionally, the positive effects of humor and emotions such as happiness and optimism on psychosocial health are well-recognized. Studies on the psychosocial health outcomes of laughter yoga indicate that it reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, while improving mood, self-esteem, self-efficacy, happiness, optimism, and energy levels. Furthermore, it helps reduce interpersonal conflicts and tensions, enhances social relationships and quality of life, and boosts psychological well-being.

Although the use of laughter yoga among older adults is limited, research has shown that it has a positive impact on depression, anxiety, sleep quality, quality of life, loneliness, life satisfaction, blood pressure, and pain in this population.A review of the literature suggests that laughter yoga may be effective in improving certain physiological and psychosocial health outcomes, highlighting the need for further research.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of laughter yoga in nursing practice, support its application, and investigate its potential benefits for elderly individuals. Specifically, it seeks to assess its positive impact on sleep quality, vitality, active aging, and overall quality of life, while confirming that it poses no adverse side effects for older adults.

Elderly individuals registered at the family health center will be introduced to the study and provided with detailed information regarding its objectives. Those who meet the inclusion criteria and express interest in participating will be identified. After obtaining informed consent, participants will be assigned to groups according to a randomization list. The researcher has obtained an "International Laughter Yoga Leadership Certificate" to conduct the Laughter Yoga intervention within the scope of this study.

The Personal Information Form, Mini-Mental State Examination, Active Aging Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Subjective Vitality Scale, and Quality of Life Scale for the Elderly will be administered to both groups through face-to-face interviews conducted by the researcher (pre-test). Participants in the experimental group will be provided with comprehensive information about the Laughter Yoga intervention.