EFFECT OF FOOT REFLEXOLOGY VERSUS ACUPRESSURE ON SLEEP DISTURBANCES AND HOT FLASHES IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Objective: The aim of the study was to find out the impact of foot reflexology versus acupressure on sleep disturbances and hot flashes in postmenopausal women. Methods: Fifty-four postmenopausal women suffering from postmenopausal sleep disturbances and hot flashes were randomly allocated into two equal groups: Group A, (n=27) treated by foot reflexology for fifteen minutes, 3 sessions per week for six weeks, and Group B, (n=27) treated by acupressure for twenty-one minutes, 3 sessions per week for six weeks. Sleep quality was evaluated by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and hot flashes severity by Hot Flashes Questionnaire before and after six weeks of the treatment protocol. Results: There were statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) in pittsburgh sleep quality index score, and hot flashes questionnaire score in both groups after treatment compared with baseline. When comparing both groups, post-treatment results revealed significant improvements in pittsburgh sleep quality index score, and hot flashes questionnaire score (p < 0.001) in favor of group (B). Conclusion: Both acupressure, as well as foot reflexology were effective therapeutic modality for management of postmenopausal women with superior to acupressure for gained improvements in sleep quality, and severity of hot flashes among postmenopausal women.