Abstract
Sleep disorder is one of the important problems in hemodialysis patients (HPs) that could decrease their life quality. Nowadays, increasing health level of HPs is an important issue regards the flourish statistics of these patients. Some studies have shown that massage therapy reduces back pain, obviate insomnia, make calmness and raise health in HPs due to the release of endorphins. This research was conducted to determine the effects of foot massage on nightly sleep quality of HPs. This experimental study was carried out on 80 HPs in Dialysis units of Shohada and Shahid Rahimi hospitals in Khorramabad, West of Iran during 2015. The instruments used included Pittsburg questionnaire and sleep log form. The sleep status of patients who have problems with their sleep was investigated according to the instruments before and after the intervention (foot massage). Foot massage was performed for 10 minutes during the dialysis, three times a week for 4 consecutive weeks. Changes in Pittsburg score showed that foot massage was effective in sleep quality of experimental groups and Freedman statistical exam showed that nightly sleep duration increased and generally with repeating the intervention, the sleep status of patients became better per week compared to the previous week (P<0.001). Concerning the results of present research, it can be concluded that foot massage has a desirable effect on sleep quality of HPs and can be executed and trained as a useful way to improve the sleep quality of patients in hemodialysis unit.

Key words: Foot Massage, Sleep disorders, Hemodialysis patients, Palliative care