The Effectiveness of Lavender Aromatherapy Combined With Slow Breathing Exercises in Improving Occupational Burnout and Sleep Disorders Among Nursing Staff

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.