An aromatherapy massage intervention on sleep in the ICU: A randomized controlled feasibility study

Abstract

We conducted a feasibility randomized controlled trial exploring the effect of aromatherapy massage on sleep in critically ill patients. Patients were randomized to receive aromatherapy massage or usual care, and feasibility of recruitment and outcome data completion was captured. Sleep (depth) was assessed through Bispectral Index monitoring and self/nurse‐reported Richards‐Campbell Sleep Questionnaires, and the Sleep in the ICU Questionnaire. Thirty‐four patients participated: 17 were randomized to aromatherapy massage and 17 to control. Five participants who received the intervention completed outcomes for analysis (alongside eight controls). A larger study was deemed unfeasible in this population, highlighting the value of testing feasibility of complex interventions, such as massage for sleep in ICU.