Effect of Aromatherapy on Sleep Quality among Hospitalized Patients

Sleep disturbance is a frequent concern among hospitalized patients and is influenced by illness, anxiety, environmental noise, lighting, and routine medical care. Poor sleep during hospitalization can negatively affect immune function, wound healing, and recovery outcomes. Although pharmacological sleep aids are commonly used, they are often associated with adverse effects such as dependency, confusion, and increased risk of falls. Consequently, interest has increased in nonpharmacological interventions such as aromatherapy. Nonpharmacological interventions such as aromatherapy may offer a safe and effective alternative.

To assess sleep quality among hospitalized patients, evaluate the effect of aromatherapy on sleep quality, and determine the association between sleep quality and selected demographic variables.

A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design was conducted among 60 adult patients admitted to selected hospitals in Pimpri, Pune. Participants were selected using purposive sampling and allocated to experimental (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups. The experimental group received lavender essential oil aromatherapy through diffusion for three consecutive nights, while the control group received routine care. Sleep quality was assessed using a standardized sleep quality assessment tool. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

The experimental group showed a statistically significant improvement in sleep quality following aromatherapy, with mean scores increasing from 1.9 in the pretest to 3.0 in the posttest (t = 7.50, P < 0.05). No significant improvement was observed in the control group. No significant association was found between sleep quality and selected demographic variables.

Aromatherapy using lavender essential oil is an effective, safe, and noninvasive intervention for improving sleep quality among hospitalized patients.