Improving Sleep Quality in ICU Patients Through Foot Massage: A Literature Review

Authors

  • Neil Madulara Marin, P.hD Midanao State University
  • Vani Dwi Putri Poltekkes Kemenkes Tasikmalaya
  • Yanti Cahyati, S. Kep, Ners, M. Kep Poltekkes Kemenkes Tasikmalaya
  • Yudi Triguna S.Kep. Ners, M.Kep Poltekkes Kemenkes Tasikmalaya

Keywords:

Foot massage, sleep quality, intensive care unit, critically ill patients, complementary therapy, nursing intervention

Abstract

Background: Sleep disturbances are common among critically ill patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to environmental factors, invasive procedures, pain, and psychological stress. Poor sleep quality may delay recovery and negatively affect patients' physical and psychological conditions. Foot massage has been increasingly used as a complementary nursing intervention because it is safe, inexpensive, and easy to perform without disrupting intensive care equipment.

Objective: This literature review aimed to analyze the effectiveness of foot massage in improving sleep quality among patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Methods: A literature review was conducted following the PRISMA approach and PICOS framework. Articles were searched through Google Scholar using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)-based keywords related to foot massage, sleep quality, and ICU patients. Studies published between 2017 and 2022 in Indonesian or English were considered. From an initial 154 articles, eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review.

Results: All reviewed studies consistently reported that foot massage improved sleep quality among ICU patients. The intervention was generally administered for 10–20 minutes, once daily or before bedtime, for two consecutive days. Foot massage promoted relaxation, reduced anxiety and muscle tension, enhanced parasympathetic activity, stimulated endorphin and serotonin release, and ultimately improved patients' sleep quality. Several studies also reported statistically significant improvements in sleep quality following the intervention (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Foot massage is an effective complementary nursing intervention for improving sleep quality in critically ill patients in the ICU. Its simplicity, low cost, minimal risk, and non-invasive nature make it a practical intervention that can be incorporated into routine nursing care to support patient recovery

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Published

2026-03-08

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 3 (2025): The 5th International Conference on Health, Education and Technology (ICHET)

Section

Articles