Effectiveness of Aromatherapy Massage on Sleep Quality and Physiological Parameters of Post-operative Cardiothoracic Surgery Patient

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Demonstrator of Critical Care and Emergency Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, MansouraUniversity, Egypt

2 faculty of nursing mansoura university

3 assistant professor of cardiothoracic surgery, faculty of medicine, Mansoura university

4 Assist. Professor of Critical Care and Emergency Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Critically ill patients' sleep is significantly disrupted during intensive care unit (ICU) stay. It is
connected to several negative effects on well-being including physiological parameters additionally the negative side
effects from the use of sleep medications. An aromatherapy massage is a non-pharmacological approach that
significantly improves sleep quality and provides a salutary effect on physiological parameters. Aim: This study aimed
to investigate the effectiveness of aromatherapy massage on sleep quality and physiological parameters of post-operative
cardiothoracic surgery patients. Method: A research design that was quasi-experimental. This study was conducted at
the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Center at Mansoura University, Egypt. A sample of 62 post-operative
cardiothoracic patients were allocated into two equal groups by random selection: The aromatherapy massage group and
the routine care group. Each one consisted of 31 patients. The collected data was completed by using a physiological
parameters assessment sheet and the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire scale. Results: A statistically significant
reduction in the systolic blood pressure and respiratory rate was noted (p˂0.05). There was between both groups a
highly significant difference in sleep quality (p˂0.001). Conclusion: Aromatherapy massage using lavender oil can
significantly reduce respiratory rate and systolic blood pressure. This intervention at bedtime can improve the sleep
quality score of post-operative cardiothoracic surgery patients. Recommendations: Integrating massage with lavender
oil in nursing practices improves physiological parameters and sleep quality for critically ill patients, consequently
enhancing patients’ positive outcomes. Additional investigations are needed to augment the evidence of complementary
therapy for sleep challenges and physiological indicators.

Keywords