Effects of Reiki on Sleep Disturbance: A Systematic and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Effects of Reiki on sleep disturbance: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsAbstractObjective: This study assessed the effects of Reiki on sleep disturbance in adults.Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.Method: We searched 9 databases associated with randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from their inception until June 30, 2024 published in English or Chinese languages that assessed the effects of Reiki on sleep disturbance in participants aged ≥ 18 years old with or without diseases compared with any types of control group. Quality of the included studies was evaluated by the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized controlled trials.Results: The beginning search investigated 2334 articles from 9 databases, of which 3 studies were found to be included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The total effect size was -0.62 (95% CI: -0.979 to -0.262, p < 0.001) which displayed as statistically significant result of sleep improvement compared to control group. A homogeneity test revealed low heterogeneity (Q = 0.881, p = 0.644, I2 < 0.001 %). In moderator analysis, the parameters of the effect sizes of different populations, attrition rate and home practice were statistically significant (p < 0.001). However, no statistically significant differences were detected in meta-regression of female percentage (ß = -0.01, p = 0.68), age (ß = -0.02, p = 0.44), and the total dosage (ß = 0.00074, p = 0.366).Conclusion: Our study results suggest Reiki has potential effects for improving sleep disturbance. However, Reiki remains unproven effectiveness thus more evidence is needed before it can be accepted as useful, or discarded as useless.