The effect of rosemary essential oil inhalation on sleepiness and alertness of shift-working nurses: A randomized, controlled field trial.

Abstract

BACKGROUND\nSleepiness during the night shift is a common complaint of shift workers, including the nurses. This study investigated the effects of inhaled rosemary oil on sleepiness and alertness of shift-working nurses.\n\n\nMETHODS\nEighty shift-working nurses were selected and assigned randomly into control (n\xa0=\xa040) and intervention (n\xa0=\xa040) groups. Both groups completed the Karolinska Sleep Questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Survey before the intervention. The intervention group received one drop of rosemary essential oil using a mask. The control group received a drop of distilled water instead, after which the questionnaires were completed for a second time.\n\n\nRESULTS\nThe sleepiness mean score in the intervention group reduced from 12.15 to 8.3, while it increased from 11.41 to 13.76 in the control group (P\xa0<\xa00.001). The alertness mean scores changed from 4.45 to 3.25 and from 4.41 to 5.34 in intervention and control groups, respectively (P\xa0<\xa00.001).\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nRosemary aroma decreased sleepiness and increased alertness in shift-working nurses.