Effects of Aromatherapy Massage on Anxiety and Sleep Quality in Women

Abstract

Anxiety and sleep disturbances are common problems experienced by women and can negatively impact daily functioning and quality of life. Non-pharmacological interventions such as traditional massage and aromatherapy are increasingly used as complementary therapies. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of aromatherapy massage and massage alone on anxiety levels and sleep quality in women. This study used a quasi-experimental design. Anxiety scores were assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), and sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data were analysed using a t-test. Both groups experienced a significant decrease in anxiety scores and sleep quality after the intervention. In the aromatherapy massage group, anxiety scores decreased from 16.10±7.06 to 10.80±8.82 (p<0.001), while in the massage alone group, anxiety scores decreased from 12.75±4.63 to 8.40±5.92 (p=0.002). The total sleep quality score in the aromatherapy massage group decreased from 11.05±3.22 to 6.60±3.17 (p<0.001), and in the massage-only group from 8.40±2.96 to 4.60±2.33 (p<0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in either anxiety (p=0.889) or sleep quality (p=0.531), although clinically the aromatherapy massage group showed a greater decrease in the mean score. Traditional massage, both with and without lemongrass aromatherapy, was effective in reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality in woman. Although the addition of aromatherapy did not show a statistically significant difference between the groups, clinically, it provided greater improvement. It can be considered as a supportive therapy in nursing practice.  Traditional massage with or without lemongrass aromatheraphy, effectively reduce anxiety and improved sleep quality in women, with aromatherapy providing a clinically greater benefit despite no statistically significant differences between the groups.