Lavender aromatherapy as sleep aid

Abstract

Lavandula angustifolia Miller (synonym L. officinalis) and other species are found throughout the Mediterranean, Arabian peninsula, Russia, Africa, Europe, and the United States. A member of the Lamiaceace (mint) family, the plant has been used to treat insomnia. Linalyl acetate and linalool are active constituents that contribute to its calming and sedative properties. Lavandula angustifolia Miller (synonym L. officinalis) and other species are found throughout the Mediterranean, Arabian peninsula, Russia, Africa, Europe, and the United States. A member of the Lamiaceace (mint) family, the plant has been used to treat insomnia. Linalyl acetate and linalool are active constituents that contribute to its calming and sedative properties. Studies evaluating the efficacy of lavender aromatherapy for insomnia are limited to single- and researcher-blind trials. In one study, 67 Taiwanese women aged 45 to 55 years underwent lavender aromatherapy twice weekly or sleep hygiene education as a control for 12 weeks. Patients with a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (CPSQI; Chinese version) score greater than 5, indicating poor sleep quality, were included. The lavender group had a significant decrease from baseline CPSQI scores, with the control group unchanged.3.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012; (2012): 740-813Google Scholar Lavender aromatherapy is well tolerated, with no documented drug interactions or contraindications. A restful sleep in the hospital is often a challenge for patients and may result in the use of medications. A randomized study in 64 critical care-unit patients with ischemic heart disease evaluated sleep quality using Saint Mary's Hospital Sleep Questionnaire, which quantifies sleep scores based on 11 items. Scores were assessed before and after three nights of either 9 hours of lavender aromatherapy or no intervention. The lavender aromatherapy group had significantly better sleep quality.4.Iran J. Nurs Midwifery Res. 2010; 15: 234-239PubMed Google Scholar Another study of 50 patients had 3 mL of 100% lavender oil placed within 3 feet of their bedside in a glass jar for inhalation from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am, and the control group received usual care. The lavender group had significantly lower blood pressure readings between 12:00 am and 4:00 am, and their average overall sleep score was higher though not significant.5.Am J. Crit Care. 2014; 23: 24-29Crossref Scopus (54) Google Scholar Inhalational dosing includes six drops (120 mg) for a 20-L bath or two to four drops of lavender essential oil in two to three cups of boiling water or automatic diffuser. Lavender aromatherapy is well tolerated, with no documented drug interactions or contraindications. Topical administration has resulted in mild dermatitis and photosensitivity.1.Holist Nurs Pract. 2009; 23: 57-64Crossref PubMed Scopus (56) Google Scholar, 2.J Herbal Pharmacother. 2004; 4: 63-78Crossref Google Scholar Conclusion: blinding is a challenge in lavender aromatherapy studies, and evidence for its use is limited. First, discuss appropriate sleep hygiene when counseling patients with sleep disturbances. Advise patients to maintain a regular sleep pattern; limit use of the bed to sleep and intimacy; engage in relaxing activities before bed; avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine 4 to 6 hours before bedtime; and last, avoid extremes in temperature, noise, and light.6.Am Fam Physician. 2009; 79: 125-130PubMed Google Scholar Lavender aromatherapy can be safely used to help promote sleep. Tell patients to exercise caution with use of other sedative products, and warn of potential dermatitis if added to bath water.