Effects of Aromatherapy on Promoting Sleep in Patients With Neurological Deficits

Abstract Reliance on sleep aids in neurological patient population can lead to negative side effects and compromise patient safety. The purpose of this doctoral nursing project was to determine if the implementation of McDonnell and Newcomb’s aromatherapy process will reduce the incidence of sleep-promoting medication administration as compared to the current practice in neurological deficit patients over 4 weeks. A quantitative, quasi-experimental design evaluated effects on sleep quality and pharmacological sleep aids by using McDonnell and Newcomb’s aromatherapy combination of lavender, bergamot, and ylang ylang essential oils placed on a cotton ball at the patient’s bedside each night. The sample included 40 neurological patients. Pre- and postintervention data were compared using a two-proportions z test. Results showed a significant reduction in pharmacological sleep aid use, decreasing from 82% pre-intervention to 30% postintervention (z = 6.02, p < .001). Findings indicate aromatherapy effectively improved sleep quality while reducing reliance on pharmacological interventions and supporting patient safety. The project results support the use of nonpharmacological therapies to improve patient sleep and measurable outcomes. Recommendations for future projects include expanding aromatherapy interventions to larger and more diverse patient populations, examining long-term effects, and comparing outcomes with other nonpharmacological sleep strategies. Incorporating validated sleep quality measures and structured staff training can support safe, effective, and sustainable integration into clinical practice.