Infant massage to improve sleep quality in infant with sleep disturbances

Abstract

Sleep is a subconscious state from which a person can be awakened by sensory stimulation and which occurs cyclically over a period of time. Infant sleep pattern disorders are characterized by a night time sleep duration of less than nine hours, waking up more than three times, and remaining awake for more than one hour per episode. Globally, approximately 30% of mothers report sleep problems in their infants, while in Indonesia, about 44.2% of infants experience disturbed sleep patterns characterized by frequent night time awakenings. Infancy represents a golden period for child growth and development that requires specialized attention. A critical factor influencing this development is the quality and quantity of rest, as sleep needs must be evaluated from both aspects. This case study aims to describe the application of baby massage on the sleep quality of an infant aged 0–6 months presenting with a nursing diagnosis of sleep pattern disorder in the Aster Room at Muntilan Hospital, Magelang Regency. This study utilized a case study approach evaluating a complementary therapy integrated with evidence-based practice to support the clinical implementation. The subject of this case study was a single infant patient experiencing a sleep pattern disorder. The intervention demonstrated that the application of baby massage effectively improved the sleep quality of the infant aged 0–6 months. Based on the clinical evaluation, baby massage is an effective intervention for enhancing sleep quality and resolving sleep pattern disorders in infants.

Keywords: Massage, nursing care, paediatric nursing, sleep disturbances, sleep quality