Massage positively influences daytime brain activity and reduces arousal state in poor sleepers: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Daytime napping is used as a strategy to complement insufficient night-time sleep and improve daytime mental and physical performance. Massage can play a crucial role in promoting relaxation and wellness at various settings including the work place. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of two different types of manual massage sessions on day-time napping in poor sleepers.

Methods: This was a randomized, single blind, placebo-controlled, three arm, interventional clinical trial. Fifteen participants (aged 21.6 ± 1.3 years) participated in three different conditions over one week apart: 1) 30-min Sports massage condition (ACT), 2) 30-min Relaxation massage condition (REL) and 3) control condition with no massage. Brain activity was monitored using a polysomnography EEG system, while vitals and relaxation/stress state were assessed by validated questionnaires and functional tests. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Score > 5 was used as cut off for distinguishing poor sleeper.

Results: Results showed significant differences between the three conditions, with muscle tone to be reduced by 7.2% after ACT session (p = 0.000) and relaxation scores to be increased by 23.4% after REL session (p = 0.008). In addition, Sleep Latency N1 was improved only after the REL session compared to other two conditions (p = 0.037).

Conclusions: In conclusion, massage can positively impact the quality and quantity of daytime napping and may serve as a complementary intervention to enhance mental well-being, reduce work related stress, improve performance and promote overall a healthier living.

Trial registration: Retrospectively registered (registration date: 16/01/2025; trial registration number at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06780072).