Comparison of the Effects of Aromatherapy and Mindfulness through Social Media on the Sleep Quality of Women in the Postpartum Period - A Randomized Clinical Trial Study

Abstract

Aim: The present study aimed to compare the effect of two methods on mothers' sleep in the postpartum period. Background: The postpartum period refers to the first 6 weeks after birth. Some mothers may find it difficult to adapt to the new role, and thus the quality of their life and sleep may be affected. Objective: The objective of the present study was to compare the effect of aromatherapy and mindfulness through social media during the postpartum period on sleep. Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial study conducted in parallel design involving 3 groups (mindfulness, aromatherapy, and control) with an allocation ratio of 1:1:1. The population consisted of women who had given birth one week before and were in the postpartum period. In the mindfulness group (n=44), counseling was performed via WhatsApp in 8 sessions. The other group was given the lavender essential oil (n=44); the members of this group joined the WhatsApp channel and were shown how to use the essential oil (two drops on a napkin every other night before bed for 2 months). The control group (n=44) received routine postpartum care via WhatsApp. The quality of sleep was assessed at the beginning of the study and 8 weeks after starting the intervention. Results: After the intervention, sleep quality was examined at 10.39 ± 3.46, 10.77 ± 3.72, and 8.82 ± 3.47 in the control, mindfulness, and aromatherapy groups, respectively (p=0.027). A difference was found between the mindfulness group and the aromatherapy group after 8 weeks (p=0.03). Conclusion: The results of the present study have indicated the important role of complementary medicine as aromatherapy in improving sleep quality with no side effects. Clinical Trial Registration Number: IRCT 2022 0706055397N1. © 2025 Bentham Science Publishers.