Effects of the Aromatherapy Program Using Fir Needle Essential Oil on Stress, Sleep Quality and Fatigue in Middle-Aged Women

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aromatherapy program using fir needle essential oil on stress, sleep quality, and fatigue of middle aged women. Twenty middle-aged women were divided into experimental group and control group. The experimental group inhaled the fir needle fragrance for 5 minutes and received a back massage with sunflower oil mixed with fir essential oil for 20 minutes. The control group took a rest for 5 minutes instead of inhaling the fragrance of essential oils and received a back massage with only sunflower oil. The experiment was conducted total eight times (twice a week) for four weeks. For the measurement of stress, fatigue, and sleep quality, questionnaires were used to collect data in the pre-test survey and post-test survey. As a result, the scores of physical and psychological stress in the experimental group and the control group were significantly decreased. However, the physical stress was more decreased in the experimental group treated with fir oil aromatherapy. In addition, both groups showed a significant difference in the quality of sleep. Fatigue measurements showed significant changes in both groups, but the fatigue reduction was more significant in the experimental group. These results suggest that massage therapy for the middle-aged women has a positive effect on relieving physical and psychological stress, improving sleep quality and reducing fatigue by assisting metabolism and blood circulation. This study proved that fir needle essential oil can be a good material for aromatherapy to promote health of middle aged women undergoing physical, psychological, and social changes.