12/20/2018 / By Michelle Simmons
People who often feel anxious and have difficulties sleeping may find lavender oil to be beneficial. A study published in the journal Holistic Nursing Practice revealed that inhaling lavender oil can help relieve sleep and anxiety problems, especially in hemodialysis patients. This study provides promising information on the effect of lavender as one of the best non-drug interventions for sleep and anxiety problems.
The study, which was carried out by researchers from Erciyes University in Kayseri, Turkey, focused on analyzing the effect of inhalation of lavender oil on hemodialysis patients’ anxiety level and sleep quality. Hemodialysis patients often suffer from sleep problems and anxiety because of physical symptoms, lifestyle changes, and psychosocial changes.
For the study, the researchers recruited 34 hemodialysis patients who have been on hemodialysis treatment at two dialysis centers. Then, they divided the participants into two groups: a treatment group and a control group. Participants in the intervention group put two drops of lavender oil into a box and placed it 15 to 20 centimeters (cm) away from their pillow. They did this 30 minutes before going to bed for a week. On the other hand, the control group did not receive any treatment. All participants also completed surveys and went through a face-to-face interview.
The results of the study revealed that those who inhaled lavender oil reported improvements in their sleep quality compared to the control group. They also experienced less daytime sleepiness, which was reflected in their daytime sleepiness scores that declined. Moreover, the mean anxiety score of the treatment group was significantly different than that of the control group.
Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that inhaling lavender oil may help improve sleep problems and anxiety, especially in hemodialysis patients.
While lavender oil is well-known for its relaxing effects on the body, it is a very versatile oil. Here are some of its benefits and how to use it:
Read more news stories and studies on the health benefits of lavender oil by going to EssentialOils.news.
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Tagged Under: alternative medicine, Anxiety, aromatherapy, Cures, essential oils, hemodialysis patients, herbal medicine, Herbs, Lavender, lavender oil, medicinal plants, mental, natural cures, natural healing, natural medicine, natural remedies, sleep, sleep problems