Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2026

Spring 2026 • 61

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and effective way to promote sleep quality in critically ill adult patients. Massage therapy for insomnia . According to a survey conducted by the AASM, 12% of Americans said they have been diagnosed with chronic insomnia, which involves difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep or regularly waking up earlier than desired. This can lead to daytime fatigue or sleepiness, trouble concentrating, depression, anxiety, and low motivation or energy. Some evidence suggests massage therapy can help individuals suffering from insomnia. A study 2 examined the impact of massage prior to bedtime on both sleep quality and quantity in people with chronic insomnia. The study included 20 individuals with an Athens Insomnia Scale score of ≥16. The individuals participated in three different settings one week apart that included a 45-minute relaxation massage, a 45-minute sham massage setting and a control setting with no massage. Sleep activity was then monitored using a portable polysomnographic system. The results showed a statistically significant effect between sleep efficiency across the three

sessions with a notable effect in the relaxation massage session. Researchers concluded that relaxation massage prior to bedtime could be used as an effective and safe non-pharmacological approach for improving sleep efficiency and potentially restoring the fragmented sleep of individuals with symptoms of insomnia. Massage therapy for restless legs syndrome. Restless legs syndrome (RLS), according to the Mayo Clinic, is a condition that causes a strong urge to move the legs that is usually caused by an uncomfortable feeling. The condition typically flares at night when sitting or lying down, and can lead to sleep issues. According to a survey conducted by the AASM, 12% of Americans said they have been diagnosed with chronic insomnia, which involves difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep or regularly waking up earlier than desired.

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