New Generation Automatic Massage Chairs for Enhancing Daytime Naps: A Crossover Placebo-Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Wellness Technology
• Sleep Science
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Modern technology is increasingly integrated into wellness practices.
• Innovative devices offer new avenues for enhancing relaxation and well-being.
• The study investigates the impact of automated massage on physiological and psychological states.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of different massage chair protocols on relaxation.
• To assess the influence of massage chair use before napping on sleep quality indices.
• To determine the efficacy of an automatic electric massage chair (AEMC) in promoting relaxation and sleep.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 12 healthy participants.
• Four groups: control, easy-sleep (ES), fatigue-recovery (FR), and worker-mode (WM) massage sessions.
• 30-minute massage chair sessions followed by 30-minute rest, with EEG and physiological monitoring.

Main Results:

• The easy-sleep (ES) massage significantly reduced muscle tone (12%) and heart rate (22%).
• ES massage increased subjective sleepiness (4.5%) and sleep efficiency (5.7%) compared to control.
• Participants reported improved feelings of relaxation and reduced tension after AEMC use.

Conclusions:

• Automatic electric massage chairs (AEMCs) can effectively reduce muscle tension and enhance relaxation.
• The easy-sleep program shows promise as a non-pharmacological method for improving daytime sleep quality.
• AEMCs may serve as valuable tools for stress reduction, improved sleep, and workplace well-being.