Short, but Highly Concentrated, Direct Inhalations of Essential Oil Molecules Improve Poor Sleep Quality: A Natural History Controlled, Withingroup, Self-administration Field Pilot Study

Abstract

Background:Essential oils are among the preferred alternative remedies for treating sleep disturbance, but empirical evidence for their effectiveness is varied. According to a new line of research, an inhaler designed to deliver high concentrations of essential oil molecules directly into the nose effectively influences the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal axis and the autonomous nervous system.Objective:This study was run to investigate whether insomnia complaints were reduced upon use of the inhaler AromaStick® ‘Relax’.Methods:A documentation field study involving thirty individuals with a recorded history of non-specific insomnia complaints was conducted to determine the inhaler’s specific effects.Results:Upon the nightly use for one week, the odor inhaler strongly improved sleep quality and reduced symptoms associated with poor sleep. Depending on the dimensions tested, effect sizes ranged between 0.8 < d < 2.6. Strongest effects were found for ‘difficulty maintaining sleep’, ‘difficulty initiating sleep’ and ‘feeling recovered after sleeping’.Conclusion:The inhaler proved to be useful in mitigating sleep impairment. The effects were strongest in individuals reporting low sleep quality.