향요법이 노인의 수면증진에 미치는 효과: 국내학술지 논문에 대한 체계적 문헌 고찰

Effects of Aromatherapy on Sleep Improvement in Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Studies in Korean Journals

Purpose: The purpose of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of aromatherapy for sleep improvement in older adults and summarize the available evidence. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Peer-reviewed journal articles were searched using the following databases: RISS, KISS, NDSL, and KMbase. The studies selected were assessed for methodological quality using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. Results: Of 16 studies, 14 found aromatherapy to be a therapeutic intervention for sleep improvement in older adults. This review provides valid evidence that aromatherapy with lavender oil is effective in managing old adults’ sleep problems. Conclusion: The review findings can assist health care providers and researchers who assist older adults with sleep issues living either in community settings or institutions.