The Effect of Topical Application of Lavender Lipogel on Sleep Quality and Well-being in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive effects of lavender on the mental health of patients undergoing hemodialysis. Objectives: The present study aims to assess the effect of topical application of lipogel containing lavender essential oil on hemodialysis patients' sleep quality and well-being. Methods: The present randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in a dialysis center in Iran. A total of 120 hemodialysis patients were assigned randomly to three groups (experimental, control, and placebo groups). In the experimental group, the lipogel containing lavender essential oil was applied on the back of the foot from the ankle to the toe. The same amount of lipogel without lavender essential oil was rubbed onto the patient’s feet in the same method in the placebo group. The control group received routine care. Yield Well-being Scale and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) were used to assess the sense of well-being and sleep quality, respectively. Results: The statistical test showed no significant difference among the experimental, control, and placebo groups regarding the sense of well-being before (P = 0.421) and after the intervention (P = 0.378). The groups (experimental, control, and placebo) did not differ significantly before the intervention in terms of the total score of sleep quality (P = 0.527), but a significant difference was observed among them after the intervention (P = 0.017). Conclusions: The lipogel containing the lavender essential oil is a cost-effective and easy method that can improve the sleep quality of hemodialysis patients. To confirm the present findings, additional studies are warranted.