Effects of traditional Chinese medicine nursing techniques combined with music-based interventions on sleep in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis - Report - MDSpire

Effects of traditional Chinese medicine nursing techniques combined with music-based interventions on sleep in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • By

  • Yupeng He

  • Yingcong Liu

  • Junlin He

  • Shan Zhu

  • Zhenhua Guo

  • June 11, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Impact of Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine Nursing Approaches with Music Therapy on Sleep Quality in Elderly Individuals

Overview

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of traditional Chinese medicine nursing techniques combined with music therapy on sleep quality in older adults. The findings indicate significant improvements in sleep quality, anxiety, and pain among participants receiving the combined intervention.

Background

Sleep quality is a critical factor affecting the health and quality of life in older adults, with a significant prevalence of sleep disorders in this population. Traditional pharmacological treatments can have adverse effects, making non-pharmacological approaches increasingly important. This study explores the potential of integrating traditional Chinese medicine with music therapy as a safe and effective alternative for managing sleep issues in older adults.

Data Highlights

OutcomeMean Difference (MD)95% Confidence Interval (CI)
PSQI-2.28-3.07 to -1.48
SAS-9.95-14.31 to -5.59
VAS-1.06-1.57 to -0.54

Key Findings

  • The combined intervention significantly improved sleep quality as measured by the PSQI.
  • Participants experienced greater reductions in anxiety and pain compared to the control group.
  • Auricular acupressure combined with music therapy showed the most stable effects on sleep quality.
  • Interventions lasting 15 days or longer were associated with lower heterogeneity and more stable outcomes.
  • Subgroup analyses indicated that various traditional Chinese medicine techniques effectively improved sleep quality.

Clinical Implications

List specific traditional Chinese medicine techniques recommended for integration.

Conclusion

The integration of traditional Chinese medicine nursing approaches with music therapy presents a promising strategy for improving sleep quality in older adults. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term benefits and applicability of these interventions.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Neurology, 2026 -- Tuina combined with other therapies for treating insomnia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
  2. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Comparative effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions on depression and anxiety in aging populations: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
  3. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Effects of bifrontal-transcranial direct current stimulation combined with music listening on sleep quality, cortical activation and functional connectivity in patients with insomnia: a randomized controlled trial by fNIRS
  4. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Exercise Intervention on Sleep Quality in Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  5. Combination treatment for chronic insomnia disorder in adults: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline - PMC
  6. Effect of music therapy on sleep quality in elderly: A systematic review and meta-analysis
  7. Frontiers | Effectiveness of applying auricular acupressure to treat insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  8. Combination treatment for chronic insomnia disorder in adults: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline - PMC
  9. Effect of music therapy on sleep quality in elderly: A systematic review and meta-analysis
  10. Frontiers | Effectiveness of applying auricular acupressure to treat insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Original Source(s)

Effects of traditional Chinese medicine nursing techniques combined with music-based interventions on sleep in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • by Yupeng He, Yingcong Liu, Junlin He, Shan Zhu, Zhenhua Guo

  • June 11, 2026

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