Methods: In the study, 60 nurses were randomly assigned to acupressure and placebo acupressure groups. To the acupressure group (n = 30), an average of 10 minutes will be applied to the Shen Men, the 7th acupoint (HT7) of the heart meridian located between the ulna and pisiform bones, on the radial side of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon, and the Sanyinjia points on the splenic meridian (SP6) located on the inner side of the lower leg, four fingers above the ankle and behind the tibia. In the placebo acupressure group (n = 30), the points 1.5 cm away from the HT7 and SP6 points (four points in total) will be applied for an average of 10 minutes. The primary outcome of the research is the effect of acupressure on the sleep quality of nurses. The secondary outcome of the study is to determine the effect of acupressure on daytime sleepiness. The outcomes will be collected before and four weeks after the acupressure and placebo acupressure administration.
This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effect of acupressure application on nurses' sleep quality and daytime sleepiness providing care in surgical clinics. This study hypothesizes that acupressure improves sleep quality and reduces daytime sleepiness.