The effectiveness of valerian acupressure on the sleep of ICU patients: A randomized clinical trial

Examining the Evidence to Guide Practice: Challenging Practice Habits

“…81 Complementary therapies such as massage, music, aromatherapy, and acupressure enhance relaxation and may reduce activation of the sympathetic nervous system, thereby enhancing sleep. 45,82,83 Last, development of nurse-driven sleep protocols can provide consistent medical and nonmedical interventions that promote sleep. Table 1 provides a list of factors that can influence sleep and suggested interventions to enhance sleep.…”

“…Reduce environmental noise (alarms, equipment, television, telephones, overhead pages, conversation) [43][44][45]51,64,67,69 Reduce light exposure during sleep time; dim lights 43,51,67 Provide patient and their family members with education about sleep promotion Consider ear plugs to reduce environmental noise 65,66 Regularly assess patients for delirium by using a valid and reliable tool 56 Promote a consistent sleep/wake cycle 53,56 Provide reorientation as needed 56 Provide hearing, vision, and communication tools as needed Implement nurse-driven early mobility protocols Assess for endotracheal tube discomfort 44 Limit dyssynchrony with the ventilator 44,75 Consider assist-control ventilation versus pressure support modes 73,74 Assess for medications that impair sleep: antipsychotics, β-blockers, proton pump inhibitors, H 2 blockers, antibiotics, antidepressants, corticosteroids, vasopressors, antiasthmatics, benzodiazepines, γ-aminobutyric acid agonists 45 Assess for medications that can cause withdrawal insomnia: sedatives, nicotine, alcohol, opiates 45 Ask the patient and/or family what the patient's regular sleep/wake cycle is to adapt care Promote consistent sleep and awake periods Encouraging activity helps with sleep hygiene 81 Limit use of sedatives when possible to promote improved sleep architecture 53,56,57 Limit the use of benzodiazepines 56,57 Assess the patient for signs of sleep deprivation and/or delirium 53,56,57 Use massage, music, acupressure, and/or aromatherapy to enhance relaxation 82,83 Assess the patient for sleep deprivation even if the patient appears to be sleeping (eg, eyes closed, vi...…”

Randomized trial of acupressure to improve patient satisfaction and quality of recovery in hospitalized patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

“…For pain treatment, a randomized controlled trial with a sample size of 129 patients [10] comparing acupressure and physical therapy for low back pain treatment showed a beneficial effect on pain scores in the acupressure group. A randomized controlled trial by Chen et al [11] comparing acupressure versus no acupressure on sleep time and quality for intensive care unit patients ( n  = 85) showed beneficial effects in the acupressure group. The studied acupoints by Chen [11] were Neiguan (PC6), Shenmen (HT7) and Yongquan (K11) [12].…”

“…A randomized controlled trial by Chen et al [11] comparing acupressure versus no acupressure on sleep time and quality for intensive care unit patients ( n  = 85) showed beneficial effects in the acupressure group. The studied acupoints by Chen [11] were Neiguan (PC6), Shenmen (HT7) and Yongquan (K11) [12]. Anxiety improvement is also a studied field for acupressure therapy, and Beikmoradi et al [13] showed that acupressure therapy including ear cavity, LI4, LI10, HT7, LU9, DU20, Ren6, Yintang and UB13 was beneficial compared to sham acupressure and control ( n  = 90).…”

Efficacy of Stimulation at the Jing-Well Points of Meridians

“…Acupuncture and moxibustion at KI1 had a superior therapeutic effect on sudden deafness, as compared with conventional medicine [34]. Valerian acupressure at KI1 improved the sleeping time and quality of severely ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) who experienced sleeping disorders [35].…”