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April 9, 2026
Research Infographic · Reiki with Bronwen
Epilepsy & Behavior
Reiki Treatment
In this study:
Reiki Treatment = hands-on Reiki application
Reiki = the spiritual energy itself
What this study is about
The question
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition that severely disrupts sleep and reduces quality of life — yet people with epilepsy are often underserved by complementary care approaches. This study asked: can Reiki treatments Reiki Treatment make a measurable difference for these patients, alongside their usual medication?
Why it matters
Poor sleep in epilepsy is not just about tiredness — it can worsen seizure frequency and mental health. This is one of the first randomised controlled trials to examine whether Reiki treatments can specifically address sleep and quality of life in this population.
How the study was designed
Study type
Randomised controlled trial
Pretest–posttest with control group
Setting
Neurology clinic
Fırat University Hospital, Turkey · Oct 2022 – Mar 2023
Participants
60
Adults with epilepsy, 30 receiving Reiki treatments · 30 control (no Reiki treatments)
Starting point
Equal baseline
Both groups were statistically identical before Reiki treatments began — a rigorous standard
What was measured
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) — a validated, widely used sleep research tool
Quality of Life in Epilepsy Scale (QOLIE-31) — specifically designed for epilepsy patients
Statistical analysis: t-tests, chi-square, and regression analysis
Patient Information Form — sociodemographic and clinical details
What the Reiki treatments produced
Significantly improved sleep quality Reiki Treatment
Participants who received Reiki treatments showed meaningful improvements in their PSQI scores — falling asleep more easily, experiencing fewer disturbances, and sleeping longer — compared to the control group who received no Reiki treatments.
Increased quality of life Reiki Treatment
The QOLIE-31 scores of patients receiving Reiki treatments improved significantly, indicating a broader positive impact on daily functioning, emotional wellbeing, and overall life quality — not just sleep alone.
Consistent results across the group Reiki Treatment
The groups were homogeneous before Reiki treatments began — meaning the results cannot be attributed to differences between the groups at the outset. The Reiki treatments produced these changes.
Key outcomes
↑
Sleep quality improved
in the Reiki treatment group
vs no change in control
in the Reiki treatment group
vs no change in control
↑
Quality of life improved
in the Reiki treatment group
on the QOLIE-31 scale
in the Reiki treatment group
on the QOLIE-31 scale
Randomised controlled trial
60 participants
Validated measurement tools
Statistically significant results
What the researchers concluded
Reiki treatments were found to improve sleep quality and increase quality of life in patients with epilepsy. The researchers recommend that Reiki treatments be incorporated alongside pharmacological approaches and standard nursing care for people with epilepsy.
Arıkan & Bahçecioğlu Turan · Epilepsy & Behavior · October 2024
What this means for Reiki practitioners
1
Reiki treatments are being recommended alongside medication. This study recommends that Reiki treatments be generalised as a complement to standard nursing care for epilepsy — a significant step in medical acknowledgment of Reiki treatments.
2
Sleep is an underappreciated entry point for Reiki treatments. Many clients may not know that poor sleep is one of the most measurable impacts of chronic illness. Offering Reiki treatments framed around sleep support is evidence-backed.
3
This is a rigorous study, not a pilot. With 60 participants, a control group, equal baselines, and validated measurement tools, this is one of the stronger studies in the Reiki treatment research landscape. It is worth sharing with medical professionals and sceptical clients alike.
4
Quality of life — not just symptoms. The fact that Reiki treatments improved broader quality of life, not only sleep scores, suggests that Reiki Reiki works holistically — supporting the whole person, not just a single complaint.
Arıkan E., Bahçecioğlu Turan G. The effects of Reiki application on sleep and quality of life in patients with epilepsy. Epilepsy & Behavior. 2024 Oct;159:109938. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109938. PubMed ID: 39121752
Bronwen Logan
With over two decades of expertise, Bronwen Logan is one of the leading voices in the system of Reiki. A key founder in both the International House and Shibumi International Reiki Association, she's also penned multiple books on the system including The Reiki Sourcebook; The Japanese Art of Reiki, Beginning Reiki, Beginning Healing, The Art of Gratitude, The A-Z of Reiki, and Your Reiki Treatment as well developing many meditations to support students and teachers in this work. Apart from studying the Japanese aspects of the system, writing and working with animals is a core passion. Bronwen is also a co-founder of Reiki Women Podcast, a blog all about Reiki by women! You can find Bronwen teaching privately online or around the globe!
