Effectiveness of acupressure on sleep disorders in breast cancer patients: A mini review

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and is often accompanied by sleep disturbances as a side effect of therapy. This condition can lead to fatigue, depression, anxiety, and decreased quality of life. This mini review aims to examine the effectiveness of acupressure in managing sleep disorders among breast cancer patients. Literature searches were conducted through PubMed, Cochrane, Elsevier, and Google Scholar using inclusion criteria of international randomized controlled trials (RCTs), published in the last eight years, with the keyword’s acupressure and sleep disorders in breast cancer patients. Out of 4,567 identified articles, 10 studies met the criteria and were further analyzed. The review revealed that acupressure, auricular acupressure, and the combination of electroacupuncture with auricular acupressure were effective in improving sleep quality, reducing chemotherapy-related insomnia, and alleviating accompanying symptoms such as depression and fatigue. These interventions were also relatively safe, with only minor side effects such as local skin irritation. In conclusion, acupressure can be considered a feasible and safe non-pharmacological intervention to improve sleep quality in breast cancer patients.