Jasmine Odor Experienced During Sleep May Affect Mood, Alertness, and Thinking

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Aromatherapy

Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)

SleepDecember 15, 2004HC# 080543-270

Re: Jasmine Odor Experienced During Sleep May Affect Mood, Alertness, and

Thinking

 

Raudenbush B, Koon J, Smith J, Zoladz P. Effects of odorant administration on

objective and subjective measures of sleep quality, post-sleep mood and

alertness, and cognitive performance. North American Journal of Psychology.

2003;5(2):181-192.

 

In the past 20 years, there has been an increase in research examining the

connection between olfaction (smell) and mood, behavior, and performance. Odors

have widespread effects on the central nervous system, even in the absence of

awareness of odors. Therefore, it is likely that the human body may respond to

odors presented during sleep. The authors state that presentation of odors

during sleep may influence sleep quality, which can impact post-sleep

activities, such as cognitive performance, alertness, and mood. This study

investigated whether the presence of a relaxing odor during sleep had an affect

on (1) sleep patterns during the night, (2) mood and cognitive functioning the

following morning, and (3) alertness throughout the following day.

 

Twenty college students (10 men and 10 women) from Wheeling Jesuit University,

Wheeling, WV participated for 3 sleep periods. The subjects did not have

abnormal sleeping patterns or sleeping pathology. They did not have any abnormal

events that might interfere with sleeping, such as an exam. The sleeping room

was randomly diffused with jasmine odor, lavender odor, or a non-odored control

condition. All subjects were exposed to all 3 conditions; each condition was

separated by 2 to 7 nights. The sleep room had furniture similar to their dorm

rooms. Sleep quality and duration were recorded with a Sleep Monitor recording

device. Electrodes were not placed on the participants and they were not

observed during sleeping, both of which have been shown to affect the first

night's sleep. Participants completed the Profile of Mood States, which is used

to rate fatigue, vigor, and anxiety. They also completed the Digit-Symbol

Substitution Test, which measures cognitive information processing

speed and psychomotor performance.

 

Sleep efficiency (time in bed spent sleeping) in the jasmine condition was

greater than both the control and lavender conditions (P < 0.01). Participants

spent fewer minutes moving during sleep in the jasmine condition compared to the

other conditions (P < 0.01). The jasmine condition caused less restlessness

compared to the other conditions (P < 0.05). No differences were found for total

sleep time (time between sleep start and sleep stop) or sleep latency (period of

time required for sleep onset after going to bed). The amount of time required

to complete the Digit-Symbol Substitution Test was shorter in the jasmine

condition than in the control condition (P < 0.05). According to the Profile of

Mood States evaluation, the jasmine condition resulted in a lower level of

anxiety than the other conditions. Both jasmine and lavender produced less vigor

than control (P < 0.05). There was no effect on fatigue. When sleeping in the

control condition, participants had a decline in alertness

during the second half of the day. In contrast, while sleeping in the jasmine

condition, participants had an increase in alertness during the second half of

the day (P < 0.05).

 

It is interesting that participants reported less vigor in the morning after the

jasmine condition and yet cognitive testing was enhanced in the morning. This

study is in agreement with another study, which found an enhanced cognitive task

performance with patients exposed to jasmine odor.1

 

Odor presented during sleep had marked effects on sleep behavior. The authors

conclude that jasmine caused an increase in sleep quality so that the

participants did not need additional sleep. Since the participants reported less

vigor in the morning after the jasmine condition, the authors believe that

athletes with morning competitions should be cautious when using jasmine

inhalation during sleep. In contrast, occupations that rely on a good night's

sleep, such as physician, air traffic controller, and long-haul driver, might

benefit from jasmine inhalation. Considering that sleep patterns changes with

age, it is necessary to evaluate these odors in an older population. In

addition, it would be interesting to repeat this study in subjects that have

sleep-disorders.

 

—Heather S. Oliff, Ph.D.

 

Reference

1 Rottman, TR. The effects of ambient odor on the cognitive performance, mood,

and activation of low and high impulsive individuals in a naturally arousing

situation. Doctoral Dissertation. 1989.

 

Best regards,

Carol

 

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