Abstract: BACKGROUND: A cancer diagnosis is a serious stressor that is associated with anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and inability to fulfill daily routines. Many pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic options are available to help patients with cancer manage anxiety. OBJECTIVES: This randomized, controlled trial examined the effects of lavender oil aromatherapy on anxiety and sleep quality in patients undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: 70 patients were randomly assigned to a lavender oil group, a tea tree oil group, and a control group with no oil. A patient identification form, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Pittsburgh Quality Sleep Index (PSQI) were used to measure anxiety and sleep quality before and after chemotherapy. FINDINGS: State anxiety before and after chemotherapy did not vary among groups. The authors compared trait anxiety values before and after chemotherapy and found a significant difference in the lavender group. In addition, a significant change in PSQI measurements before and after chemotherapy was observed.
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Graham49
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I have often wondered if my anxiety causes poor sleep quality, or my poor sleep habits/quality are contributing to higher degree of anxiety and emotional lability. Probably both.
There is a definite improvement in both anxiety and sleep quality when I am 1) getting lots of physical exercise, and 2) limiting junk food and alcohol ESPECIALLY after 5-7 pm. (I think getting rid of later-pm calorie consumption is well worth pursuing for better sleep, but very difficult for me sometimes.)
There is no doubt that certain aromas can be extremely soothing. Interesting that lavender was better than tea tree in the study. I should give this a try... thanks for posting!
It's really nice to see a study looking at these types of adjuncts! The results are a nice corroboration of the traditional aromatherapy literature: Lavender has a long reputation as a calming, anti-anxiety oil, while Tea Tree is known for its anti-infective properties and is considered an invigorating oil. (I would consider it in situations where an anti-fatigue effect would be useful).
Lavender is probably the most versatile of all the essential oils. In addition to its calming properties and usefulness as a sleep aid, it is anti-inflammatory and can be used for pain relief (I included it in a blend I made for my Dad, which he found helpful), as well as for burns (sunburn or stove-top type burns).
Other anti-anxiety oils include Bergamot (use bergapten-free or stay out of the sun for 4 hrs after applying on skin, as it can create bad burns (called being "phototoxic"), Patchouli (yes, the scent of the 60's! :)..It is considered a "grounding" oil, hence its relevance for anxiety), Sandalwood (similar to Patchouli, but softer in scent) and Chamomile, which like Lavender, has a long history as a sleep aid and is strongly anti-inflammatory. Note: Sandalwood and Chamomile can be pricey, though.
I've used essential oils for over a decade and am trained in their use for horses. If that knowledge can be of use to anyone here, please feel free to reply here or DM me. Note: I do not sell oils and do not use or recommend any MLM co's as a personal choice (no reflection on quality/efficacy).
Lastly, there are studies regarding essential oils and cancer, but the quality is generally low. In my opinion, the most relevant use of the oils in this case is for adjunctive uses, like pain relief, anti-anxiety, anti-depressive and sleep aids.
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Quality of Life: What are your favorite \"vices\".
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