Abstract:
Introduction: Menopause is the termination of menstrua tion and fertility. Women commonly experience sleeping
problems during the menopausal period. Aromatherapy is
among the complementary therapies used to remedy sleep ing problems. Methods: This study aims to investigate the
effects of lavender oil on sleep and quality of life of meno pausal women through steam inhalation. This study was
quasi-experimental with pre-test/post-test placebo control
groups. It was conducted with 57 women, 27 of whom were
subject to aromatherapy and 30 to a placebo. Data were col lected using the Questionnaire Form, the Pittsburgh Sleep
Quality Index (PSQI) and the Menopause-Specific Quality of
Life Questionnaire (MENQOL). Results: For the intervention
group, the PSQI median scores after the administration of
aromatherapy were found to be significantly lower than
those before the administration (p < 0.001) and those of the
placebo group (p < 0.001). Similarly, for the intervention
group, the total median MENQOL scores after the adminis tration of the aromatherapy were found to be significantly
lower than the scores prior to the administration (p < 0.001)
as well as the scores of the placebo group (p < 0.001). Con clusion: It was found that aromatherapy involving lavender scented steam inhalation increased sleep quality and quality
of life in women with sleep deprivation problems during
menopause.
