0409 The Impact of Fragrance on the Quality of Sleep

Abstract Introduction The utilization of scents in sleep medicine is gaining increased attention due to their demonstrated ability to enhance sleep quality. This study employed a randomized double-blinded crossover trial to investigate the effects of continuous nightly exposure to a synthetic jasmine scent, combined with lavender oil and passionflower herb, on both subjective and objective measures of sleep quality. With a focus on individuals characterized by delayed sleep onset and frequent disturbances, this research aimed to assess the potential benefits of aromatherapy in addressing sleep-related issues. Methods Thirty sensitive sleepers, falling within the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) range of 7-14 and experiencing 2-3 sleep disturbances per week, participated in the study. The experiment was conducted over four nights in a sleep laboratory, with the initial night serving as an acclimation (baseline) period. The subsequent nights involved randomized exposure to different conditions: a placebo rose scent, a high-dose of jasmine scent, or a low-dose relative to essential oils. Participants were monitored, and standardized questionnaires were administered in both morning and evening sessions. The scent application, specifically on T-shirts, was assessed for tolerance. Results Comparisons to baseline revealed a significant improvement in both sleep quality and total sleep time when using scents. Notably, both high and low doses of jasmine demonstrated a reduction in wake after sleep onset. The application of scent on T-shirts was well-tolerated by all participants. These results collectively suggest a positive impact of jasmine scent on sleep parameters. Conclusion In conclusion, the findings of this study highlight the potential of aromatherapy, particularly the use of synthetic jasmine scent, in positively influencing sleep quality. The reduction in wake after sleep onset indicates a promising avenue for addressing sleep disturbances. Further exploration into factors such as dosage, application method, and duration of scent exposure is warranted to refine our understanding and optimize the therapeutic use of scents in sleep medicine. Support (if any) This study received support from Marome GmbH, which supplied the scents.