Can foot reflexology be a complementary therapy for sleep disturbances? Evidence appraisal through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Authors: Hui-Chuan Huang, Kee-Hsin Chen, Shu-Fen Kuo, I-Hui ChenJournal: Journal of advanced nursingPublished: June 18, 2021DOI: 10.1111/jan.14699

Q1 JournalSJR: 2.354h-index: 139SCImago

Strong EvidenceMeta Analysisn=3928 participants

Insomnia

In Plain Language: reflexology for sleep, explained

The study examined the effects of foot reflexology on sleep disturbances among adults. It found that those who received foot reflexology reported significant improvements in sleep quality, indicating that this non-invasive therapy could be beneficial for people struggling with sleep issues. This matters because it offers an alternative treatment option that is both easy to administer and effective.

Key Findings: what this meta-analysis found about sleep

✓Foot reflexology significantly decreased sleep disturbance scores with a Hedges' g of -1.37.
✓Participants who received reflexology were 75% less likely to experience sleep problems compared to the control group (pooled odds ratio = 0.25).
✓The review included 42 trials and a total of 3,928 participants, indicating robust evidence.

What This Means for You

For individuals considering reflexology treatment for sleep problems, this study suggests that regular foot reflexology may significantly improve sleep quality and reduce sleep disturbances.

What This Means for Practitioners

Reflexology practitioners can incorporate focused techniques on the solar plexus and heart zones to enhance the therapeutic effects on sleep disturbances as demonstrated in the study's findings.

Study Design: how this meta-analysis was run

Blinding

open label

Control

none

Duration

not specified

Sample Size

3928 participants

Limitations: what it cannot tell you about sleep

The limitations include potential publication bias and the inclusion of studies with diverse methodologies, which might influence the overall findings.

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Reflexology for sleep: common questions

Does reflexology help with sleep?

For individuals considering reflexology treatment for sleep problems, this study suggests that regular foot reflexology may significantly improve sleep quality and reduce sleep disturbances.

What did this study find?

Foot reflexology significantly decreased sleep disturbance scores with a Hedges' g of -1.37. Participants who received reflexology were 75% less likely to experience sleep problems compared to the control group (pooled odds ratio = 0.25). The review included 42 trials and a total of 3,928 participants, indicating robust evidence.

How strong is this evidence?

This is a meta-analysis and we rate its evidence strong. It covers 3,928 participants. It was published in Journal of advanced nursing, a Q1 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.

What are the limitations of this study?

The limitations include potential publication bias and the inclusion of studies with diverse methodologies, which might influence the overall findings.

Guides citing this study

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