The Effects of Swedish Massage on Sleep Quality and Quantity in Hospitalized Girls: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Hospitalization often disrupts children's sleep and may adversely affect their recovery process. Swedish massage, a relaxation technique, has shown potential benefits in improving sleep; however, evidence regarding its effectiveness in pediatric hospital settings remains limited.Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Swedish massage on sleep quality and sleep quantity in hospitalized children.Method: In this randomized controlled trial, ۷۰ hospitalized girls aged ۴–۱۲ years in Paveh, Kermanshah Province, Iran, were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n=۳۵) or a control group (n=۳۵). The intervention group received a ۳۰-minute session of Swedish massage administered by a trained nurse on three consecutive nights, whereas the control group received standard care. Mothers completed the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and a sleep log at baseline and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using independent-samples t-tests, repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), and generalized linear models (GLMs).Results: At baseline, sleep quality did not differ significantly between the two groups (p=۰.۳۰). Following the intervention, sleep quality improved significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group (p<۰.۰۰۱). However, no significant between-group difference was observed in sleep quantity (p=۰.۰۹). Implications for Practice: Swedish massage improved sleep quality but did not significantly affect sleep quantity. Training nurses in basic Swedish massage techniques may enhance patient comfort and facilitate recovery without requiring additional medical resources. This intervention should be considered for inclusion in clinical practice guidelines to promote holistic, evidence-based nursing care.

کلیدواژه ها:

Hospitalized children ، Sleep ، Swedish Massage