Effect of ASMR and White Noise on Sleep Quality in Patients Undergoing Elective Lower Extremity Surgery

Sleep disturbance is one of the most common postoperative complications following orthopedic surgery and is associated with increased pain perception, delayed recovery, prolonged hospitalization, and decreased patient comfort. Non-pharmacological interventions that improve sleep quality may contribute positively to postoperative recovery and patient outcomes.

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is characterized by relaxing sensory experiences triggered by auditory stimuli and has recently gained attention for its potential effects on sleep and emotional well-being. White noise is another auditory intervention commonly used to reduce environmental noise perception and promote sleep quality. Although previous studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of ASMR and white noise separately, there is limited evidence comparing these interventions in postoperative orthopedic patients.

This study is designed as a three-arm parallel randomized controlled trial conducted in patients undergoing elective lower extremity surgery. Eligible participants will be randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio into ASMR, white noise, or control groups using computer-generated block randomization. Participants in the intervention groups will listen to standardized 30-minute audio recordings before sleep during the postoperative hospitalization period. The control group will receive headphones without audio playback to minimize environmental noise exposure.

The primary outcome of the study is postoperative sleep quality measured using the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ). Secondary outcomes may include postoperative pain intensity, nocturnal awakening frequency, and patient comfort. Blinded researchers will perform outcome assessment and statistical analyses.

The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding effective non-pharmacological nursing interventions to improve postoperative sleep quality in orthopedic surgery patients.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18 years and older
• Undergoing elective lower extremity surgery
• Conscious and able to communicate
• No hearing impairment or hearing aid use
• Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain score of 5 or lower
• No use of medications affecting sleep
• Willing to participate in the study
• Able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Participation in another clinical study
• Surgery due to trauma
• Transfer to the intensive care unit during the postoperative period
• Development of serious postoperative complications
• Withdrawal from the study at any stage
• Failure to comply with study procedures