Nurses Experience of Aromatherapy Use with Dementia Patients Experiencing Disturbed Sleep Patterns.

Complement Ther Clin Pract.
2013 Nov;19(4):209-13. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2013.01.003. Epub 2013 Aug 17.

Johannessen B(1).

Author information:
(1)Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Faculty of Health and Sports, University of Agder, Norway. Electronic address: Berit.Johannessen@uia.no.

The purpose of this study was to gain an insight into nurses' experiences of incorporating aromatherapy into the care of residents suffering from dementia, anxiety and disturbed sleep patterns. Twenty-four residents and twelve nurses from four nursing homes participated in an action research study. The use of lavender augustofolia essential oil diffused nightly was perceived as an effective care modality reducing insomnia and anxiety in this patient cohort. Nurses experienced some negative attitudes among colleagues because they considered aromatherapy as not evidence based. Nurses require greater access to evidence based use of Aromatherapy. Further research is needed to study how smell can enhance dementia care.

Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

PMID: 24199975  [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]