2015-02-03 11:44:45
Sleep deprivation is common in hospitalized patients. Lavender aromatherapy was tested by inhaling 100% lavender oil and testing the patient’s vital signs and perceived sleep quality in an intermediate care unit (1). 50 patients were included in the randomized controlled trial. The treatment group has 3mL of 100% pure lavender oil in a glass jar placed along their bedside from 10pm until 6am. They completed the Richard Campbell Sleep Questionnaire to assess quality of sleep. The results showed that blood pressure was lower at nighttime and that the mean overall sleep score was higher in the treatment group. The authors conclude that lavender aromatherapy may be an effective way to improve sleep quality.
References
- Lytle J, Mwatha C, Davis KK. Effect of lavender aromatherapy on vital signs and perceived quality of sleep in the intermediate care unit: a pilot study. Am J Crit Care. 2014;23(1):24-9.