Auricular acupuncture as stress-relieving intervention for parents of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit: insights gained from a pilot study

The results indicated a statistically significant reduction in stress, sleep disturbances, and physical discomfort post-NADA intervention, with a mean difference in sleep scores of -1.951. Qualitative feedback generated an overall theme, "An increased feeling of calmness," and two themes, "A psychological booster," reflecting parents' experiences of enhanced mental clarity and emotional regulation and "Bodily calmness," highlighting improved physical relaxation and sleep quality. Parents universally regarded NADA as a relevant and beneficial intervention during their NICU stay.