The study
It’s well known that sleep issues often coincide with the menopausal transition. The good news? A recent study might offer some hope to those struggling to get a good night’s rest post-menopause.
Published in the International Journal of Community Based Nursing and Midwifery in 2022, the double-blind randomized controlled trial included 80 postmenopausal women with sleep disturbances.
Divided into two groups, one given Citrus aurantium and the other given a placebo of almond oil, the subjects were instructed to inhale two drops, twice a day, for four weeks.
The results
The study found that those who took the Citrus aurantium showed significant improvement in sleep quality compared with those who used almond oil.
Considering citrus
Citrus aurantium, often referred to as bitter orange, has been noted for many potential benefits, including anticancer, antianxiety, and antidiabetic properties. It has also been noted that more long-term studies are recommended to fully explore safety.
Additional aromatherapy options
Other promising aromatherapy options for sleep include the following essential oils.
- damask rose (Rosa damascenaI)
- bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
- lavender (Lavandula angustifoliaI)
- camomile (Matricaria recutita)
Double the benefits
Did you know that just 20 minutes of soaking your feet before bed has been shown to improve sleep quality for menopausal women? Try adding your favorite organic, skin-safe essential oils to a deep bowl or a bathtub, soak your feet, and you might just get some extra zzzs!
This article was originally published in the November 2023 issue of delicious living magazine.
