PURPOSE
The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of laughter therapy on depression and sleep among patients at two long-term care (LTC) hospitals.
METHODS
Forty-two residents from two LTC hospitals participated in this study. Twenty-one residents at one LTC hospital received the laugher therapy treatment and 21 at the other LTC hospital received no treatment as a comparison group. The laugher therapy protocol consisted of singing funny songs, laughing for diversion, stretching, playing with hands and dance routines, laughing exercises, healthy clapping, and laughing aloud. The participants engaged in the protocol 40 minutes twice a week (Monday/Thursday) for a total of eight sessions held in the patients' lounge.
RESULTS
Findings showed that depression and sleep improved in the treatment group compared to the comparison group (t=-7.12, p < .001; Z=-4.16, p < .001).
CONCLUSION
To improve depression and sleep among patients at LTC hospitals, offering laughter therapy strengthening physical activities might be beneficial to patients.

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