Comparing the Effects of Reflexology and Footbath on Sleep Quality in the Elderly: A Controlled Clinical Trial
Moderate EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology for sleep, explained
Sleep disorders are common mental disorders reported among the elderly in all countries, and with nonpharmacological interventions, they could be helped to improve their sleep quality. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two interventions, foot reflexology and foot bath, on sleep quality in elderly people. This three-group randomized clinical trial (two experimental groups and a control group) was conducted on 69 elderly men. The two experimental groups had reflexology (n = 23) and foot bath (n = 23) interventions for 6 weeks. The reflexology intervention was done in the mornings, once a week for ten minutes on each foot. The participants in the foot bath group were asked to soak their feet in 41°C to 42°C water one hour before sleeping. The pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was completed before and after the intervention through an interview process. The results showed that the PSQI scores after intervention compared to before it in the reflexology and foot bath groups were statistically significant (P = 0.01 , P = 0.001); however, in the control group did not show a statistically significant difference (P = 0.14). In addition, the total score changes among the three groups were statistically significant (P = 0.01). Comparing the score changes of quality of sleep between the reflexology and foot bath groups showed that there was no significant difference in none of the components and the total score (P = 0.09). The two interventions had the same impact on the quality of sleep. It is suggested that the training of nonpharmacological methods to improve sleep quality such as reflexology and foot bath be included in the elderly health programs. In addition, it is recommended that the impact of these interventions on subjective sleep quality using polysomnographic recordings be explored in future research.
Key Findings: what this randomised trial found about sleep
- ✓Both foot reflexology and foot bath interventions improved sleep quality in elderly men, as measured by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores after 6 weeks of treatment.
- ✓Foot reflexology sessions performed once weekly for 10 minutes on each foot in the morning were effective at improving sleep quality in elderly participants.
- ✓Nonpharmacological interventions such as reflexology and foot baths can help address sleep disorders in elderly populations without relying on medication.
What This Means for You
Both reflexology and warm foot baths appear to improve sleep quality in older adults with moderate evidence, though results are most convincing when treatments are done regularly over several weeks.
What This Means for Practitioners
This study supports reflexology as an effective non-drug option for sleep improvement in elderly clients, with outcomes comparable to other simple interventions like foot baths.
Study Design: how this randomised trial was run
Reflexology for sleep: common questions
Does reflexology help with sleep?
Both reflexology and warm foot baths appear to improve sleep quality in older adults with moderate evidence, though results are most convincing when treatments are done regularly over several weeks.
What did this study find?
Both foot reflexology and foot bath interventions improved sleep quality in elderly men, as measured by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores after 6 weeks of treatment. Foot reflexology sessions performed once weekly for 10 minutes on each foot in the morning were effective at improving sleep quality in elderly participants. Nonpharmacological interventions such as reflexology and foot baths can help address sleep disorders in elderly populations without relying on medication.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence moderate. It covers 69 participants. It was published in Iranian Red Crescent medical journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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