Nighty Night – Sleep Tight .... 💤
Sleep disturbance is a common and challenging symptom for many people who attend my clinic, but especially so for people living with dementia — and it affects carers just as deeply. A recent open access study explored a simple, soothing approach: night time inhalation aromatherapy.
Researchers placed 2–5 drops of a chosen essential oil (lavender, lavender–orange blend, or woody oils) on a towel wrapped around the person’s pillow every night for 20 days. The results?
-Total sleep time increased significantly
-The longest sustained sleep period improved — meaning deeper, more continuous rest
-Early morning awakenings reduced
The study suggests that calming blends of essential oils may help activate the parasympathetic nervous system — the body’s “rest and restore” mode — supporting a smoother night’s sleep for people living with dementia. I’d take that any night of the week!
Why this matters: Better sleep supports mood, reduces agitation and helps maintain cognitive function — all essential for anyone’s well-being, but especially for people living with dementia where lack of sleep can compound the difficulties they already experience from their disease.
Also, for carers, even small improvements in sleep of the person they support can make for a smoother day.
Aromatherapy can be a simple, low burden non pharma addition to a bedtime routine. Always consider individual preferences and sensitivities and consult a qualified aromatherapist for safe use as some oils are contraindicated for some people.
Read the full study here : Effects of Inhalation Aromatherapy on Symptoms of Sleep Disturbance in the Elderly with Dementia
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5376423/
#Aromatherapy #dementia #aromatherapyawarenessweek #essentialoils #IFAAromatherapyAwarenessWeek
Happy snoozy cat for algorithm 😻
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