Comparing the effects of massage and aromatherapy massage with lavender oil on sleep quality of cardiac patients: A randomized controlled trial

Introduction: Sleep disorder is a common problem in cardiac patients. This study aimed to investigate the effect of massage and aromatherapy massage on sleep quality of cardiac patients. Materials and methods: in this study, 150 subjects were randomly allocated into 1) massage, 2) aromatherapy massage and 3) control. In the massage group, the subjects received hands and feet massage using sweet almond oil. In the second group, the massage was performed on the same areas using a mixture of lavender and sweet almond oil. Data collection tool included Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Before and after the intervention, the PSQI was completed by the subjects. Results: There was a significant difference between the mean scores of PSQI before and after the intervention in the intervention and control groups, but this difference was not statistically significant between the two intervention groups. Conclusion: Massage and aromatherapy massage can improve the sleep quality in cardiac patients.