Slow stroke back massage to reduce insomnia in elderly

Abstract

Psychological changes in the elderly often stem from shifts in their roles and physical abilities, impacting their capacity to perform personal and social activities. A significant issue affecting both the physical and psychological well-being of the elderly is sleeping disorders, particularly insomnia. Addressing insomnia in the elderly can involve pharmacological treatments, but non-pharmacological therapies like Slow Stroke Back Massage (SSBM) are often preferred due to fewer side effects and overall health benefits. This study explores the effectiveness of Slow Stroke Back Massage as a non-pharmacological intervention for reducing insomnia in elderly individuals. The methodology includes assessing patients through structured nursing care. The study sample consisted of three elderly individuals who reported chronic sleep difficulties. After implementing the SSBM intervention, findings showed a marked reduction in insomnia symptoms across the participants. The study concludes that Slow Stroke Back Massage is a highly effective, non-pharmacological approach for alleviating insomnia in the elderly, especially in the Mungkid area of Magelang. The research highlights the potential of SSBM as a simple yet powerful technique for improving sleep quality, thereby enhancing both the psychological and physical well-being of elderly individuals with sleep disorders.

Keywords: Insomnia; nursing intervention; elderly; mental health nursing; complementary therapy