Foot reflexology massage using aromatic oils improves sleep quality in individuals with poor sleep quality
A single-blind RCT found that 20 minutes of daily foot reflexology massage with aromatic oils for 21 days significantly improved sleep quality in adults with poor sleep (PSQI >5). The intervention group's mean PSQI score dropped from 14.25 to 10.30 (p<0.001), while the control group showed minimal change (14.10 to 14.15, p=0.34).
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Foot reflexology massage using aromatic oils improves sleep quality in individuals with poor sleep quality The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 42/100 (low).
The Claim
Foot reflexology massage using aromatic oils improves sleep quality in individuals with poor sleep quality
This conclusion is most relevant to: Adults aged 30-60 years with poor sleep quality (PSQI >5), 95% female, mean age 50.30 years.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Effect of Foot Reflexology Massage on Sleep Quality using Aromatic Oils-A Randomized Controlled Trial. (International journal of therapeutic massage & bodywork, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Application of foot reflexology massage with aromatic oils
- ▸Stimulation of reflex points on feet
- ▸Potential activation of relaxation response and parasympathetic nervous system
- ▸Result: Significant improvement in sleep quality as measured by PSQI
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Adults aged 30-60 years with poor sleep quality (PSQI >5), 95% female, mean age 50.30 years
Recommended Dose
20 minutes daily for 21 days
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Single-blind design may introduce bias as participants knew their group assignment
- ▸High proportion of female participants (95%) limits generalizability to male populations
- ▸No long-term follow-up reported to assess durability of sleep quality improvements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)?▼
The PSQI is a self-rated questionnaire that assesses sleep quality over a one-month interval, with scores above 5 indicating poor sleep quality.
How long did the intervention last?▼
The intervention lasted 21 consecutive days, with daily 20-minute foot reflexology massage sessions.
Was the control group given any treatment?▼
The control group sat quietly in a room for 20 minutes daily focusing on natural breathing, without receiving any massage or aromatic oils.
Can this intervention be used for people with severe sleep disorders?▼
The study only included individuals with poor sleep quality (PSQI >5) but not diagnosed sleep disorders; further research is needed for clinical populations.
References
- 1.Yoganathan D, Srinivasan K, Rajendran K, Rajamani P, Kuppusamy M. “Effect of Foot Reflexology Massage on Sleep Quality using Aromatic Oils-A Randomized Controlled Trial..” International journal of therapeutic massage & bodywork, 2026. PMID: 42428595 DOI: 10.3822/ijtmb.v19i2.1219