A Natural Sleep Aid for Midlife Women with Insomnia

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects that lavender aromatherapy would have on middle-aged women with insomnia. Researchers observed the effects of 67 women aged 45-55 years over 12-weeks and monitored results based on a self-reported Chinese Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (CPSQI) questionnaire and heart rate variability. They hypothesized that lavender would affect both autonomic modulations and the quality of sleep. The research is prevalent given the sleep disturbances experienced by women peri- and post menopausal, leading to cardiovascular and mental risks. Rather than depending on pharmaceutical aid, this study aims to find alternative solutions to managing insomnia and menopause-related symptoms.

Figure 1 shows a study of 67 female volunteers facing insomnia. The independent variable was whether or not participants received aromatherapy or education. The dependent variables were the heart rate variability and the sleep quality - measured using CPSQI. The diagram showcases women in two groups and the implications that the sleeping disorder would have over patients receiving treatment over the course of 12 weeks. While some women dropped out of the experiment, those who stayed consistent in their treatment sessions were shown to have better sleep quality when inhaling lavender oil as opposed to the control group.

Figure 2 focuses on the heart rate variability (HRV) between the groups from baseline, 1, and 3 months after treatment. The measures that the researchers used to assess the autonomic nervous system (SDN, RMSSD, and HF) (dependent variables) while the treatment methods consisted of lavender inhalation and health education (independent variable) and all other testing methods remained the same (constant). The data shows increased HRV (SDNN, RMSSD) in the experimental group after 4 and 12 weeks of aromatherapy. Improvements appeared at week 4 (P < 0.05) but were less clear by week 12 suggesting that there were short-term autonomic benefits from lavender inhalation with increased parasympathetic activity. It seemed that long-term effects of the lavender inhalation were not tested leaving room for further research.

Figure 3 shows changes in the CPSQI scale (dependent variable) of those receiving education versus lavender inhalation treatment (independent variable). While all other testing conditions and periods remained the same (control), the study found that lavender aromatherapy significantly improved sleep quality in the experimental group, which revealed a decline in CPSQI scores (P < 0.001), while the control group saw no change. This suggests that inhalation might be an effective treatment for middle aged women who have insomnia.

The purpose of the study is to see if lavender oil could help midlife women with insomnia. Researchers hypothesized that lavender oil would increase relaxation and improve sleep quality. Figure 1 focused on how researchers aimed at conducting their study, while figure 2 compared HRV between the lavender and control groups and Figure 3 showed that the effects lasted over time. The results supported the researchers hypothesis, suggesting lavender could be a helpful natural treatment for women with insomnia. Future studies can aim to see if lavender aromatherapy can be just as impactful to midlife males with insomnia.

Chien, L., Cheng, S., & Liu, C. (2011). The effect of lavender aromatherapy on autonomic

nervous system in midlife women with insomnia. Hindawi Publishing Corporation - Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2012(740813): 10.1155/2012/740813.