Pavitra Singh and Pradeep Kumar Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh
Pages:58-65
Meditation is an ancient technique that is believed to have practiced for mental peace
and well-being. Rajyoga is a systematic approach that has been practiced for thousands
of years by saints who have attained highest level of spirituality. Rajyoga is considered
as one of the oldest systems of meditation to be systematically developed into a unified
practice. In the present study, an intervention technique was used which is based on
Sage Patanjali’s eight-limbed model of yoga. Eight Limbs are categorized in terms of
Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. All
eight steps are tailored into a simple meditation technique that are easily applicable
in day-to-day life. The main objective of study was to see the effect of the intervention
technique on the subjective well-being and sleep quality of school teachers. Total
Thirty school teachers with the age range of 24 to 60 years participated in the study.
In view of pre-post testing, Friedman Well-being Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality
Index (PSQI) were administered for data collection. Eight-week intervention program
consisted of every day 30-40 minutes session was given (followed by guided meditation,
lectures on Rajyoga meditation and short activities). Obtained data were analysed by
using descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests. Results of the t-ratio were found
significantly higher for Emotional Stability (t=-5.101p<.01), Happiness (t=-3.084p<.01)
and composite score (t=-5.874p<.01) of the Well-being scale. Whereas significant
impact was not found on Self-esteem/Self Confidence (t=-1.709p<.098), Sociability
(t=-.913p<.369), and Joviality (t=-1.303p<.203). Sleep Latency (t=2.504p<.05),
Daytime Dysfunction (t=3.071p<.01), Sleep Duration (t=2.536p<.05) and Global PSQI
(t=4.309p<.01) measures of sleep quality were found significantly lower in post-testing.
Though, scores of Subjective Sleep Quality (t= 1.409p<.169), Habitual Sleep Efficiency
(t=.701p<.489), Sleep Disturbances (t=1.361p<.184), and Use of Sleeping Medication
(t=-.571p<.573) were not statistically significant after intervention. Present research
findings suggest that adopting Rajyoga Meditation practices regularly may improves
the overall well-being and sleep quality of teachers. Hence, such practices are advised
to be practiced in routine..