The Effect of Lavender Aromatherapy on Autonomic Nervous System in Midlife Women with Insomnia
2012

Lavender Aromatherapy Improves Sleep in Midlife Women

Sample size: 67 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Chien Li-Wei, Cheng Su Li, Liu Chi Feng

Primary Institution: Taipei Medical University Hospital

Hypothesis

Lavender aromatherapy would affect both autonomic modulations and sleep quality after a follow-up period of 3 months.

Conclusion

Lavender aromatherapy significantly improved sleep quality in midlife women with insomnia after 12 weeks of treatment.

Supporting Evidence

  • Significant decrease in mean heart rate and increases in HRV parameters were observed after lavender inhalation.
  • The total CPSQI score significantly decreased in the experimental group.
  • Women receiving aromatherapy experienced a significant improvement in sleep quality after intervention.

Takeaway

Smelling lavender can help women who have trouble sleeping feel better and sleep more soundly.

Methodology

The study involved 67 midlife women who were divided into an experimental group receiving lavender aromatherapy and a control group receiving sleep hygiene education.

Potential Biases

Participant expectations regarding the efficacy of aromatherapy may have influenced outcomes.

Limitations

Polysomnography was not used to monitor specific sleep stages, and the study did not measure reproductive hormones.

Participant Demographics

Women aged 45-55 years, with a CPSQI score greater than 5.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1155/2012/740813

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