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

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.