Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research

Background: Sleep disturbances can affect daily functioning and quality of life. Evidence concerning the combined use of foot reflexology and aromatic oil among healthy young adults remains limited.

Aim: To study the effect of foot reflexology with aromatic oil on sleep quality among healthy young adults.

Study Design: Randomised, open-label, controlled trial.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Alva’s College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences, Mijar, Moodubidri, for 30 days in April 2026.

Methodology: This randomised controlled study included 60 healthy young adults (18–25 years) who were identified as having sleep disturbances. Participants were randomly allocated to two groups: the study group (n = 30) and the control group (n = 30). Study Group 1 (n = 30) received foot reflexology with lavender aromatic oil (Lavandula angustifolia) for 20 min daily, including 10 min per foot, six days per week for 30 days. Control Group 2 (n = 30) continued its usual routine without any intervention. Sleep quality and quality of life were assessed before and after the study using a numerical rating scale and standardised questionnaires. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants.

Results: After 30 days, participants receiving foot reflexology with aromatic oil showed a significant reduction in numerical rating scale scores (3.500(1.00) to 1.00(1.00); P < 0.001) and PSQI scores (8.00(1.75) to 3.00(1.00); P < 0.001). Their SF-36 quality-of-life scores increased (43.00(5.00) to 57.00(5.00); P < 0.001) compared with the control group. No adverse effects or dropouts occurred during the study.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that foot reflexology combined with aromatic oil may be a complementary approach to improving sleep quality among healthy young adults. Regular use of this intervention may help reduce sleep-related difficulties. Furthermore, no adverse effects were reported during the intervention period, suggesting that the approach was well tolerated by participants. These findings indicate the potential role of foot reflexology with aromatic oil as a simple, non-invasive, and well-tolerated complementary intervention for improving sleep quality.