This randomized, sham-controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of self-administered acupressure on social jet lag, sleep patterns, and sleep quality in female health sciences students. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a self-acupressure intervention group or a sham self-acupressure control group. The intervention will be performed daily for 12 weeks. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and at the end of the intervention period, with the primary outcome being the change in social jet lag. Secondary outcomes include changes in sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and participant blinding assessment.

Social jet lag, defined as the misalignment between biological circadian rhythms and socially imposed schedules, is highly prevalent among university students and is associated with impaired sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and adverse health outcomes. Female students in health sciences programs may be particularly vulnerable due to academic workload and irregular schedules. Non-pharmacological, self-administered interventions that can be easily integrated into daily routines may offer a practical approach to improving sleep-related outcomes in this population.

This study is a randomized, parallel-group, sham-controlled trial designed to investigate the effects of a 12-week self-acupressure intervention on social jet lag and sleep-related outcomes. Eligible participants are female health sciences students who will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either a self-acupressure intervention group or a sham self-acupressure control group. Both groups receive standardized training and apply their respective protocols daily for the same duration and frequency.

The experimental intervention consists of self-administered acupressure applied to predefined acupoints (HT7, SP6, and Yintang) using moderate, comfortable, non-painful pressure. The sham intervention is matched in duration, frequency, and pressure but is applied to non-acupoint locations not recognized as therapeutic acupressure points. This design aims to control for nonspecific effects such as attention, expectation, and tactile stimulation.

Outcomes are assessed at baseline and at the end of the 12-week intervention period. The primary outcome is the change in social jet lag. Secondary outcomes include changes in sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, sleep pattern parameters, and assessment of participant blinding success. Blinding effectiveness is evaluated by asking participants to guess their group assignment at follow-up.

The study is conducted under minimal risk conditions, and all participants provide written informed consent prior to enrollment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female undergraduate students enrolled in midwifery or medical programs
• Age 18 to 25 years
• Regular academic schedule (work/school days and free days identifiable)
• Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent
• Ability to comply with daily self-acupressure practice for 12 weeks
• Ability to complete sleep questionnaires and sleep diary

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current diagnosis of a sleep disorder requiring medical treatment (e.g., obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy)
• Use of medications known to significantly affect sleep or circadian rhythms (e.g., hypnotics, stimulants)
• Shift work or night work during the study period
• Transmeridian travel (≥2 time zones) within the past 4 weeks or planned during the study period
• Chronic medical or psychiatric condition that may significantly affect sleep
• Current pregnancy

Individual participant data will not be shared publicly. De-identified data will be stored securely and used only for the purposes of this study and related publications, in accordance with institutional ethics approval.

Participants and outcome assessors are blinded to group allocation. Blinding success will be assessed by asking participants at follow-up to guess their group assignment (active vs sham vs unsure).