Effects of Aroma Inhalation on Fatigue and Sleep Quality of Postpartum Mothers

Lee, Sung Hee

doi:2004.10.3.235

Korean J Women Health Nurs > Volume 10(3); 2004 > Article

Original Article

Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing 2004;10(3):235-243.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4069/kjwhn.2004.10.3.235

Effects of Aroma Inhalation on Fatigue and Sleep Quality of Postpartum Mothers

Sung Hee Lee

Nursing Department, Sorabol College, Korea. leesh@sorabol.ac.kr

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of aroma inhalation on fatigue and quality of sleep of postpartum mothers. METHOD: The study design was a non-equivalent control group pre-post design. 51 Postpartum mothers were assigned either to a control group or to an experimental group that was exposed to aromas through inhalation for 6 days. Subjects in the experimental group were instructed to wear a necklace filled with Lavender and Eucalyptus oil from 2: 00 PM to 8: 00 PM every day. Fatigue was measured using the Rhoten Fatigue Scale. Sleep duration, night arousal frequency and sleep satisfaction were used to assess the quality of sleep. RESULT: There was a significant difference in the score of fatigue following the treatment between the experimental and control groups (t=-2.79 p=.00). However, there was no significant difference in sleep duration, frequency of night arousal and sleep satisfaction following aroma inhalation between two groups. CONCLUSION: This intervention appears to be effective in reducing the fatigue in postpartum mothers.

Key Words: Aroma Inhalation; Fatigue; Sleep quality; Postpartum mothers