Open AccessThe Effect of Aromatherapy on Sleep and Quality of Life in Menopausal Women with Sleeping Problems: A Non-Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Author(s) -
Meryem Gürler,
Aynur Kızılırmak,
Mürüvvet Başer
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
complementary medicine research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.238
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 2504-2106
pISSN - 2504-2092
DOI - 10.1159/000507751
Subject(s) - aromatherapy , placebo , medicine , menopause , pittsburgh sleep quality index , quality of life (healthcare) , inhalation , physical therapy , insomnia , randomized controlled trial , sleep quality , anesthesia , psychiatry , alternative medicine , nursing , pathology
Menopause is the termination of menstruation and fertility. Women commonly experience sleeping problems during the menopausal period. Aromatherapy is among the complementary therapies used to remedy sleeping problems. Methods: This study aims to investigate the effects of lavender oil on sleep and quality of life of menopausal women through steam inhalation. This study was quasi-experimental with pre-test/post-test placebo control groups. It was conducted with 57 women, 27 of whom were subject to aromatherapy and 30 to a placebo. Data were collected using the Questionnaire Form, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL). Results: For the intervention group, the PSQI median scores after the administration of aromatherapy were found to be significantly lower than those before the administration ( p < 0.001) and those of the placebo group ( p < 0.001). Similarly, for the intervention group, the total median MENQOL scores after the administration of the aromatherapy were found to be significantly lower than the scores prior to the administration ( p < 0.001) as well as the scores of the placebo group ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: It was found that aromatherapy involving lavender-scented steam inhalation increased sleep quality and quality of life in women with sleep deprivation problems during menopause.