A Study Comparing the Effects of Two Types of Natural Oils Used in a Bedtime Foot Massage Routine on Sleep and Emotional Well-Being in Perimenopausal Women.

Sleep disturbances and mood changes are commonly reported during the perimenopausal transition due to fluctuating ovarian hormones, alterations in circadian rhythm, and increased vulnerability to psychological stress. Many women prefer non-pharmacological interventions for sleep support, particularly those that can be performed at home, are low-risk, and do not interfere with daily responsibilities. Ayurveda describes Padabhyanga (foot massage) as a calming practice traditionally used to improve sleep , stabilize the nervous system, and support mental well-being. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) are herbs used in classical Ayurvedic formulations and are known for their calming, sleep promoting actions. However, there is limited clinical research evaluating their effects on sleep and mood specifically in oil form especially in perimenopausal women.

This randomized controlled trial will evaluate whether a nightly 5-minute Padabhyanga using Brahmi-Gotu Kola oil can improve sleep quality and mood disturbances in women aged 40-55 experiencing perimenopausal changes. The trial will compare Brahmi-Gotukola oil to organic sesame oil, which is used as the control due to its neutral and widely accepted Ayurvedic use without the specific medhya (mind-supportive) actions attributed to Brahmi. The intervention will be self-administered at home for 14 consecutive nights.

Participants will complete baseline questionnaires assessing sleep quality and mood before the intervention begins. A short daily sleep log will be completed each morning during the 2-week intervention period to track changes in subjective sleep experience. Outcome assessment will be repeated immediately after the 2-week intervention, followed by two additional follow-up questionnaires in the 3rd and 4th weeks. The purpose of the follow-up assessments is to measure whether any observed improvements persist beyond the intervention period.

This study will generate preliminary evidence on the effectiveness of Ayurvedic Padabhyanga with Brahmi-Gotukola oil as a low-risk, self-care nighttime practice for perimenopausal women. Findings may support future larger-scale trials and may provide a practical, culturally relevant, and accessible approach to improving sleep quality and emotional well-being without pharmaceutical treatment.

Inclusion criteria

• Women aged 40 to 55 years.
• Perimenopausal stage according to Stages of reproductive aging workshop +10 with menstrual irregularity PSQI scores above 5.
• Ability to understand and respond to study questions in English
• Willingness to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

• Participants attained menopause.
• Current use of Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Current Psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder and other severe mental illness that may interfere with partici[pation.
• Use of any anxiolytics, antidepressants
• History of Oopherectomy or hysterectomy .
• Conditions limiting foot massage include active foot injury, severe varicose vein, oprn wounds or any skin infection on the feet
• Any known allergy to sesame seeds
• Any other serious medical conditions according to investigators judgement that would ,make participation unsafe.