Self-administered acupressure before bedtime improved sleep quality in surgical nurses but did not clearly reduce daytime sleepiness.
In a randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial in Turkey, surgical nurses were assigned to either self-administered acupressure at two traditional pressure points or sham pressure at nearby locations. Participants practiced the technique before bedtime several times weekly over four weeks, while sleep quality and daytime sleepiness were assessed before and after the intervention.
Both groups initially reported poor sleep quality and substantial daytime sleepiness. After the intervention, nurses receiving acupressure had better overall sleep quality and fewer sleep disturbances than those receiving sham pressure. Daytime sleepiness did not differ meaningfully between groups.
