Development and Pilot Evaluation of a Self-Guided Digital Hypnorelaxation Program for Sleep Quality and Psychological Readiness Pregnant Women

Authors

  • Nurul Jannah School of Nursing and Applied Science, Lincoln University College, Wisma Lincoln, No. 12-18, Jalan SS 6/12, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
  • Gunavathy Selvarajh School of Nursing and Applied Science, Lincoln University College, Wisma Lincoln, No. 12-18, Jalan SS 6/12, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31674/mjmr.2026.v010i02.001

Abstract

Background: Sleep disturbances and psychological distress are common during late pregnancy and are associated with reduced maternal well-being and childbirth preparedness, highlighting the need for accessible non-pharmacological interventions. Objectives: This pilot study aimed to develop and preliminarily evaluate the feasibility and early responsiveness of a self-guided digital hypnorelaxation program integrating relaxation techniques and positive affirmations for late pregnancy. Methods: A developmental quasi-experimental pilot study with a pretest–posttest comparison group design was conducted among 60 third-trimester pregnant women recruited from community antenatal care settings. Participants were non-randomly allocated to an intervention group (n = 35) and a routine care group (n = 25). The intervention consisted of a standardized hypnorelaxation audio program used independently twice daily for 14 days. Sleep-related well-being and psychological readiness for childbirth were assessed using validated Indonesian instruments and analyzed within an exploratory pilot framework. Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. The intervention group showed greater short-term changes in sleep-related well-being scores (mean change = 8.40) compared with minimal change in the control group (mean change = 0.30). A shift toward higher sleep quality categories and increased childbirth preparedness was observed, with 85.7% of participants classified as highly prepared post-intervention. These findings represent preliminary response patterns within a pilot context. Conclusion: The intervention demonstrated feasibility, high adherence, and early indications of responsiveness. Further randomized controlled trials are required to establish effectiveness.

Keywords:

Digital Hypnorelaxation; , Late Pregnancy;, Maternal Well-Being;, Pilot Study;, Sleep Quality

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References

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Published

06-04-2026

How to Cite

Jannah, N., & Selvarajh, G. (2026). Development and Pilot Evaluation of a Self-Guided Digital Hypnorelaxation Program for Sleep Quality and Psychological Readiness Pregnant Women. Malaysian Journal of Medical Research (MJMR), 10(2), 01-13. https://doi.org/10.31674/mjmr.2026.v010i02.001

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