Efeitos da aromaterapia com óleos essenciais de lavanda e bergamota sobre a qualidade do sono, ansiedade e estresse em profissionais da enfermagem frente à pandemia da COVID-19

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the use of aromatherapy, with essential oils of lavender and bergamot in nursing professionals, under the aspects of sleep quality, stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was conducted in a private hospital health institution in Ponta Grossa, with 98 professionals. There was a comparison between the groups that used lavender or bergamot essential oils, with a control group and another group using previous psychotropic medication. The essential oils of lavender and bergamot were diluted to 3% in almond oil. All groups used essential oils by inhalation before going to sleep, except for the group that used medication. Assessments were applied to measure stress and anxiety (DASS-21) and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Leeds Sleep Assessment Questionnaire). Salivary cortisol measurements were also performed as a measure to assess stress. In the initial time, it can be seen that 73.5% of the professionals had a sleep disorder, 56.1% showed signs of anxiety and 55.1% showed signs of stress. The groups were followed up for 30 days, with a series of follow-up at the beginning, 7 days, 15 days and 30 days. Reductions in stress and anxiety scores were evidenced at 7 days and 15 days, but without sustaining this reduction in scores over time and without statistical difference in relation to control. The dimensions of sleep latency and efficiency were most impacted by the inhalation of bergamot essential oil, and the inhalation of lavender essential oil generated a greater percentage of reduction in sleep disorders, specifically under nighttime interruptions and the ease of waking up from sleep.