Effectiveness of Acupressure on Improving the Quality of Sleep Among Cancer Patients

Introduction: Sleep disorders, such as difficulty falling asleep, problems maintaining sleep, poor sleep efficiency, early awakening, and excessive daytime sleepiness, are prevalent in patients with cancer.

Method: A Pre experimental study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of acupressure on improving the quality of sleep among cancer patients in H.C.G cancer center at Erode. The conceptual framework of the study was based on the "Neuman's System Model". The research design used was pre experimental one group pre test post test design. Non probability purposive sampling method was used to select the 60 samples for the study. The tool used for this study was Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale before and after intervention. Acupressure is given at 3 points (back of the ear, wrist and calf muscle for 3min /acupoint on the same day after completion of pre test and it was given for 7 days continuously before bedtime. The data gathered was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Acupressure self instructional module was given after post test to make use of acupressure at home setting.

Result: Major findings of the study were, after intervention majority 50(83.33%) had good sleep and 10(16.67%) of cancer patients had fairly good sleep. The mean score of sleep after intervention is lower than the mean score of sleep before intervention. The 't' value is 23.6 (1.960), which was significant at 0.05 level and shows there is a significant improvement in the quality of sleep.

Discussion: Acupressure is used by millions of persons around the world. Incorporating this technique into nursing care plans will unite us in the commonality we share -the desire to relieve human suffering.