Effects of Circadian-Based Acupressure on Sleep Quality in Nursing Home Residents

Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of circadian-based acupressure compared with sham acupressure in improving sleep quality among nursing home residents. Additionally, the study will examine the effects of the intervention on insomnia severity, heart rate variability, and psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and stress. A total of 80 older adults aged 60 years and above residing in a nursing home in Jakarta, Indonesia, will be randomly assigned to either the circadian-based acupressure group or the sham acupressure group. Participants in the intervention group will receive circadian-based acupressure twice daily, five days per week for four weeks, with acupoints selected and administered according to circadian meridian activity, while the control group will receive sham acupressure at non-acupuncture points with the same frequency and duration. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and immediately post-intervention.

Conditions

• Poor Sleep Quality
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress
• Insomnia

Interventions

OTHER

Circadian-based acupressure

Participants in the Circadian-based Acupressure group will receive circadian-based acupressure twice daily, five days a week for four weeks. Acupressure will be administered in the morning one hour after breakfast (at 11am) and in the evening one to two hours before bedtime (at 7 pm). Acupressure was performed by applying consistent fingertip pressure of 3-5 kg, with gentle rotational movements, on the selected acupoints. The selected acupoints were based on our network meta-analysis the most used acupoint: Sanyinjiao (SP6), Shenmen (HT7), Fengchi (GB20), and Neiguan (PC6). The accuracy of the acupressure was confirmed if the participants felt sore, numb, distended, or warm at the point of application. The duration of each session was limited to 3 minutes, with an interval of 5 seconds of pressure followed by a 1-second rest. Acupoints of Sanyinjiao and Shenmen will be apply at 11 am and Neiguan and Fengchi at 7 pm.

OTHER

Sham Acupressure

Sham Acupressure (placebo) group received massage at a non-acupuncture point, located 10 mm from the actual point, with the same frequency as the experimental group. According to traditional Chinese medicine, manipulation of non-acupuncture points should not elicit a sensation of de qi.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Krida Wacana Christian University

  collaborator OTHER

• Taipei Medical University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Santa Maria Pangaribuan, M.Sc · Taipei Medical University, Taiwan

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

60 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-01-20

Primary Completion

2026-06-30

Completion

2026-06-30

Countries

• Indonesia

Study Locations