ABSTRACT
Night shift work causing circadian disruption of sleep has been suggested to be an important risk factor of cardiovascular disease. Heart ratevariability (HRV) provides a tool to assess stress related short and long term effects on autonomic regulation of cardiovascular system. Yoga isfrequently used as a lifestyle intervention to reduce stress & restore autonomic nervous system balance. The aim of study was to evaluate theeffect of yoga on HRV and Blood pressure in shift workers. For this cross sectional study, a total of 70 apparently healthy shift workers weredivided into two groups. 1) Study group (n=35) Night shift workers, 2) Control groups (n=35) Day shift workers. Anthropometric, Blood pressureand HRV were measured in both groups. Study group underwent yogic exercise for 8 weeks. The same parameter measured again after yogicexercise. Study group showed decrease in BMI, Waist/Hip ratio, Heart rate, SBP and DBP. HRV showed a significant parasympatheticdominance.