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The Effect of Massage and Foot Reflexology on Sleep in Newborns
Ayşe Belpınar1, Emriye Hilal Yayan2, Ahmet Özdemir3
1Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Health Assistance Vocational School, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey.
Insights
Massage and foot reflexology significantly improved sleep in premature infants. These non-pharmacological methods increased sleep duration and efficiency, while reducing awakenings and wakefulness.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Integrative medicine
- Pediatric sleep science
Background:
- Premature infants often experience sleep disturbances.
- Effective non-pharmacological interventions are crucial for neonatal intensive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of massage and foot reflexology on the sleep patterns of premature infants.
- To compare these interventions against standard nursing care.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 108 premature infants (30-37 weeks gestation).
- Infants were divided into massage, foot reflexology, and control groups.
- Sleep duration and efficiency were measured using actigraphy over two days.
Main Results:
- Both massage and foot reflexology groups showed significant increases in sleep duration (p < .001).
- Sleep efficiency improved significantly in intervention groups (p < .001).
- Wakefulness duration and number of awakenings decreased significantly in intervention groups (p < .05).
Conclusions:
- Massage and foot reflexology are effective non-pharmacological strategies for enhancing sleep in premature infants.
- These therapies improve key sleep parameters, supporting infant development and well-being.
Abstract:
Objective: This study was conducted to examine the effects of massage and foot reflexology on the sleep of premature infants. Materials and Methods: The research was designed as a randomized controlled experimental study. The study population consisted of premature infants born at 30-37 weeks of gestation who were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a hospital in the Central Anatolia Region. The sample included 108 premature infants divided into three groups: Massage group (n = 36), Foot reflexology group (n = 36), and Control group (n = 36). Data were collected using a neonatal follow-up form and actigraphy. Massage and foot reflexology interventions were administered to the respective groups twice daily (Morning: 07:00-09:00 and Evening: 19:00-21:00) for 15 minutes each session over two consecutive days, making up a total of four sessions. The control group received routine nursing care without any additional intervention. Pre-test (once) and post-test (once) measurements of 24-h sleep durations were assessed using actigraphy for all groups. Results: Sleep duration in the massage group increased compared to pre-intervention (251 minutes) and the control group (272 minutes), while the sleep duration in the foot reflexology group similarly increased compared to pre-intervention (268 minutes) and the control group (266 minutes) (p < .001). Sleep efficiency also showed a significant increase post-intervention, rising to 73% in the massage group and 71.8% in the foot reflexology group compared to the control group (p < .001). Furthermore, the number of awakenings and wakefulness duration significantly decreased in the massage and foot reflexology groups compared to the control group (p < .05). Conclusion: The findings indicate that massage and foot reflexology are effective non-pharmacological methods for improving sleep duration and sleep efficiency while reducing wakefulness duration and the number of awakenings in premature infants.
