Abstract
We examined the effect of aromatherapy massage on the circadian rhythm in 8 elderly subjects in an open semi-comparative trial, comparing the parameters in the 2nd week during which the aromatherapy massage sessions were performed, with 1-week periods (1st and 3rd weeks) before and after the sessions. Time spent asleep while in-bed and the sleep efficiency during the sleep time increased significantly in the 2nd week compared with those in the 1st and/or 3rd weeks. A higher peak of the 24-h cycle circadian rhythm was noted following aromatherapy massage in elderly people, who often exhibit circadian rhythm disturbance. Furthermore, the peaks of the spectrum cycle in the 2nd week were significantly closer to 24 h than those in the 1st and 3rd weeks. These results suggest that aromatherapy massage improves sleep and circadian rhythm disturbance.
