This study investigates the effects of breathing exercises combined with lavender essential oil inhalation on occupational burnout and sleep disturbances in rotating shift nurses.
This study will adopt a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design targeting rotating shift nurses with at least six months of clinical experience at a regional teaching hospital in northern Taiwan. Eligible participants who consent to join the study will be randomly assigned into five groups using block randomization. The randomization process will be conducted via sealed envelopes to allocate participants into the following groups: Experimental Group 1, Experimental Group 2, Experimental Group 3, Breathing-Only Group, and Control Group. Experimental Group 1: Participants will receive slow breathing training (6 breaths per minute) once daily before bedtime, combined with the inhalation of 3 drops of natural lavender essential oil on a towel, for 3 minutes, over a 4-week period. Experimental Group 2: Same breathing protocol as above, with 3 drops of linalyl acetate-containing essential oil. Experimental Group 3: Same breathing protocol, with 3 drops of linalool-containing essential oil. Breathing-Only Group: Participants will perform slow breathing training (6 breaths per minute) for 3 minutes daily before bedtime, without any essential oil inhalation, for 4 weeks. Control Group: Participants will maintain their usual lifestyle without any intervention. The outcomes will be evaluated using a nurse burnout scale and a sleep quality scale. Measurements will be taken at three time points: baseline (pre-test), 4 weeks after the intervention (post-test 1), and 8 weeks after the intervention (follow-up/post-test 2). The study is co-led by Yao-Hsiang Chen, Assistant Head Nurse at Tri-Service General Hospital Songshan Branch, and Professor Chia-Hui Lin, School of Nursing, National Defense Medical Center.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
70
Participants will perform slow breathing (6 breaths/min) for 3 minutes daily before bedtime
inhalation of 3 drops of lavender essential oil on a towel,
inhalation of 3 drops of linalyl acetate essential oil on a towel.
Tri-Service General Hospital, Songshan Branch
Taipei City, Taipei, Taiwan
Nursing Burnout Scale, NBS
The Nurse Burnout Inventory is specifically developed based on nurses' clinical practice experiences. It includes items that reflect three key dimensions: emotional exhaustion resulting from the high-tension clinical work environment, reduced personal accomplishment associated with feelings of ineffectiveness in medical care, and depersonalization, characterized by indifference toward others due to prolonged burnout.
Time frame: At baseline, and at 4 and 8 weeks following the start of intervention
The Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, CPSQI
The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is a widely used self-reported questionnaire designed to assess sleep quality over the past month. It evaluates multiple aspects of sleep, including subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleeping medications, and daytime dysfunction. A higher score indicates poorer sleep quality.
Time frame: At baseline, and at 4 and 8 weeks following the start of intervention
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
inhalation of 3 drops of linalool essential oil on a towel.