Exploring the Impact of Myofascial Release on Mental Health and Sleep Quality

This literature review examines the interplay between myofascial release, mental health, and sleep quality, utilizing peer-reviewed studies from the National Library of Medicine (2021–2024). Analyzing ten selected articles, findings indicate that myofascial release significantly enhances mental health by alleviating depression and anxiety associated with various physical conditions, such as premenstrual syndrome, chronic pain syndromes, postpartum dysfunctions, and fibromyalgia. These improvements in mental well-being are closely linked to enhanced sleep quality and overall quality of life. For instance, myofascial techniques combined with progressive relaxation improved sleep and reduced pain in premenstrual syndrome, while similar approaches in chronic low back pain and fibromyalgia patients led to better sleep and reduced psychological distress. The review underscores myofascial release as a promising complementary therapy for promoting mental health and sleep, though it calls for more rigorous randomized-controlled trials to further validate these effects and elucidate underlying mechanisms.