Effect of aromatherapy with Lavender on sleep quality among patients undergoing hemodialysis

Background: Sleep disorders are one of the most common problems in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of aromatherapy on sleep quality in hemodialysis patients. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial was performed on 60 hemodialysis patients selected from the dialysis centers of Akhavan hospital in Kashan and Shohadaye Lenjan hospital in Zarrinshahr. Eligible patients were randomly assigned into two equal groups, the experimental and control groups. The experimental group smelled lavender essential oil during the study, while the control group received no intervention. The Persian version of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was completed by the participants at the baseline and the end of study. Results: Results showed no significant difference in the mean sleep quality score between the experimental (12.67±3.407) and control groups (13.83±3.940) at baseline, but a significant difference was seen in mean sleep quality score between the experimental (7.93±3.483) and control groups (13.50±4.249) after the end of the study (P<0.0001). Conclusion: Aromatherapy with lavender essential oil has positive effect on improving sleep quality in hemodialysis patients and may be used as a noninvasive, easy and low-cost method for sleep disorders in these patients.