Perets O. V., Ivanov V. M., Zelenskyi R. M.

MASSAGE AS A PART OF PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAMMES FOR SLEEP DISORDERS: A REVIEW OF CURRENT RESEARCH

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About the author:

Perets O. V., Ivanov V. M., Zelenskyi R. M.

Heading:

LITERATURE REVIEWS

Type of article:

Scientific article

Annotation:

Sleep disorders are among the most common problems in modern society and have a significant impact on a person’s physical and mental health. Insufficient sleep duration or poor sleep quality are associated with a decline in cognitive function and work capacity, a deterioration in emotional well-being, and an increased risk of developing cardiovascular, neurological and mental health conditions. In this context, there is a pressing need to identify effective and safe non-pharmacological methods for improving sleep. One such method is massage, which is widely used in physiotherapy and rehabilitation due to its ability to reduce muscle tension, improve blood circulation, lower anxiety levels and promote overall relaxation of the body. The aim of this study was to summarise current scientific evidence regarding the impact of various types of massage on sleep quality and duration, and to determine the prospects for their application in the practice of physiotherapy and rehabilitation. An analysis of scientific publications indicates that various massage techniques have a positive effect on sleep parameters in people of different ages and with different clinical conditions. The most convincing results were obtained for relaxation massage and Slow Stroke Back Massage, the use of which helps to improve sleep quality, reduce the time taken to fall asleep, decrease the number of night-time awakenings and improve psychological and emotional well-being. It has been demonstrated that massage can reduce levels of anxiety and stress, activate the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, and create favourable conditions for the body’s physiological recovery during a night’s rest. The combination of massage with aromatherapy is a prospective approach. The use of essential oils of fennel, lavender, chamomile, bergamot and ylang-ylang helps to enhance the relaxing effect, improve the process of falling asleep and reduce emotional tension. A review of the results of recent studies leads to the conclusion that massage is an effective, safe and accessible non-pharmacological means of improving sleep quality. Its use should be considered as a component of comprehensive physical therapy and rehabilitation programmes for people with sleep disorders. Further research should focus on determining the optimal parameters for the application of different types of massage and on investigating the mechanisms by which they influence the regulation of the sleep–wake cycle.

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Bibliography:

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Publication of the article:

«Bulletin of problems biology and medicine», 2026 Issue 3, 182, 114-118 pages, index UDC 615.825:616.89-008.441.33

DOI:

10.29254/2077-4214-2026-3-182-114-118