Document Type : Original Quantitative and Qualitative Research Paper
Authors
1
Yale School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
2
: Associate Professor in nursing, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad
3
MSN, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
4
Nursing student, Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran. ali2001.kordi@gmail.com
5
: Assistant Professor in Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Nutrition, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
6
Associate Professor in nursing, Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
10.22038/ebcj.2026.89699.3184
Abstract
Background: Hospitalization often disrupts children's sleep, affecting their recovery. Swedish massage, known for promoting relaxation, may enhance sleep quality. However, research on its effects in pediatric settings is limited. This study investigated the impact of Swedish massage on sleep quality and quantity in hospitalized children.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 70 hospitalized girls aged 4 to 12 years in Paveh, Kermanshah, Iran. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 35) or a control group (n = 35). The intervention consisted of a 30-minute Swedish massage program administered by a nurse for three consecutive nights. The control group received standard care. Mothers of the children completed the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and a sleep quantity log at baseline and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, paired t-tests, repeated measures analysis of variance, and the generalized linear model (GLM).
Results: At baseline, no significant difference in mean sleep quality was observed between the intervention and control groups (p = 0.3). However, post-intervention, a statistically significant difference in sleep quality was found between the groups (p < 0.001). Also, no significant difference was detected in the changes in sleep quantity between the groups (p = 0.09).
Conclusion: The study's findings suggest that Swedish massage can be an effective intervention for enhancing sleep quality in hospitalized girls; however, it did not significantly impact sleep quantity. It is recommended that future studies explore complementary interventions to improve both sleep quality and quantity in this population.
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