[Effects of Aromatherapy on Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis].
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 31932562 · doi:10.4040/jkan.2019.49.6.655
What was done
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (PROSPERO CRD42017064519) evaluated the effects of aromatherapy on sleep quality in adults and elderly participants. Studies published in English, Korean, and Chinese comparing aromatherapy to control or placebo oil groups were included.
What was found
Aromatherapy produced a statistically significant improvement in sleep quality (n = 763 across 23 studies, SMD = 1.03, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.39, p < .001). Effect sizes varied significantly by route of administration (Q_B = 9.39, df = 2, p = .009): massage (SMD = 2.05), oral intake (SMD = 1.12), and inhalation (SMD = 0.77). Post-hoc analysis showed massage had a significantly larger effect than inhalation. Intervention duration showed a non-significant trend toward larger effect sizes (B = 0.01, Z = 1.43, p = .154).
Why it matters
This review synthesizes multilingual trial evidence suggesting aromatherapy aids sleep quality, highlighting that tactile methods like massage may drive larger improvements than inhalation.
Limits
High heterogeneity was present across the included studies. The abstract does not specify the specific essential oils, dosages, safety profiles, or whether sleep outcomes were measured subjectively or objectively.
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