Comparison of the effect of aromatherapy with essential of Damask Rose and Citrus aurantium on the sleep quality of the elderly people

Context: Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy to improve the sleep quality.
Aims: The aim of the current study was to compare the effect of aromatherapy with essential of Damask Rose and Citrus aurantium on the sleep quality of the elders.
Setting and Design: This quasi‑experimental study conducted in the day‑care centers.
Materials and Methods: Sixty elderly people were randomly selected and inhaled essential of Damask Rose 10% on the pillows concurrently, for three nights, before sleeping. After 1 month wash out, they were under aromatherapy with C. aurantium 10%, as the same method. At both periods, sleep quality were assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.
Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed by SPSS version 25 and using independent t‑test, paired t‑test, and Wilcoxon signed‑ranks test.
Results: Although the total sleep quality score was improved at two periods of aromatherapy, it was significantly better at Damask Rose period, compared to C. aurantium (P < 0.001). Regarding to sleep domains, at both periods, aromatherapy had no effects on sleep disturbance. The score changes of subjective sleep quality (P = 0.001), sleep efficacy (P = 0.013), and daytime dysfunction (P = 0.033) were significantly better at the Damask Rose period, compared to C. aurantium.
Conclusion: Both essential of Damask Rose and C. aurantium could improve the sleep quality, although the effect of Damask Rose on the total sleep quality score of elders was more than C. aurantium. Therefore, regarding to elders’ preferences, one of these mentioned essentials could be used for improving sleep quality.