Evaluation of a daily facial massage on perceived sleep quality and well-being: A pilot study

Objective

Sleep disorders are widespread and constitute a major public health risk. The present study thus aims to investigate the effect of a facial cosmetic self-massage daily routine on women's sleep and well-being.

Methods

The present pilot study was conducted on 62 middle-aged women declaring daily tiredness and sleep troubles. We examined the effect of a regular facial cosmetic self-massage routine on sleep patterns, daytime sleepiness, and well-being over the course of 2 months.

Results

After 1 and 2 months, our results show improved sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI – −20.2% after 2 months), reduced daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale, ESS, −31.2% after 2 months), and increased well-being measures. The number of participants with abnormal sleep (PSQI >5) decreased over the course of the experiment as well, from 71.9% to 49.2% at the end of the 2 months [odds ratio 95% CI for decrease: 0.38 (0.18–0.81)]. Similarly, the number of participants with excessive daytime sleepiness (>10 on the ESS) decreased over the course of the study from 44.3% to 21% after 1 month [95% CI: 0.33 (0.15–0.73)] and to 16.1% after 2 months [95% CI: 0.24 (0.10–0.56)].

Conclusions

These results suggest that a facial cosmetic self-massage routine may improve sleep patterns and is likely to be a useful addition to a standard sleep hygiene routine.