Using herbal pillows to improve sleep quality
Sweet Scents to Sweet Dreams: Use of Herbal Pillows to Facilitate Sleep and Improve Quality of Life
This study tests whether using herbal pillows can help healthy adults sleep better and improve their overall quality of life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Duquesne University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06247696 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of herbal pillows on sleep disturbances and overall quality of life in healthy adults. Participants will adhere to a sleep hygiene protocol and use actigraphy, validated questionnaires, and daily logs to monitor their sleep patterns. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of these botanical pillows in enhancing sleep quality over a two-week period. Participants will also attend three study visits during this time.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18 and older who are willing to follow a structured sleep hygiene protocol and participate in the study's monitoring activities.
Not a fit: Patients with respiratory conditions that hinder the inhalation of botanical scents, such as COPD or those using CPAP devices, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a natural and holistic approach to improving sleep quality for individuals experiencing sleep disturbances.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of herbal remedies for sleep has been explored, this specific approach using herbal pillows is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * You must be at least 18 years of age. * You must be willing to adhere to a sleep hygiene protocol (e.g., 10pm-midnight-6-8am) for 2 weeks without interruption in the comfort of your home. * You must be willing to wear a watch that monitors your sleep and light as well as a sleep mask for two consecutive weeks. * During the testing period, you must be willing to refrain from alcohol and anything that can affect mood and sleep. * You must allow for the placement of an herbal pillow next to your head while sleeping for one week during testing. * You must be willing to fill out short sleep logs during the 2 weeks of testing. * You must also be willing to come to the study location on 3 occasions over a 2 week period. Exclusion Criteria: * Males or females with any condition that prevents adequate inhalation of botanical pillows \[e.g., Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), deviated septum, etc\]. * Males or females on mood altering substances prescription (e.g., anti-depressants, anxiolytics, Ritalin, Adderall, anti-convulsants; opioids, etc), non-prescription/over-the-counter (OTC) drugs/herbal/natural products \[(e.g., tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing compounds, melatonin, St. John's Wort, lavender capsules, essential oils, perfume-containing products, etc\]. * Any environmental, physical condition or pathology that can significantly impact on sleep and prevent an approximate 10pm-midnight-6-8am sleep rhythm (e.g., shift work, studying/exams, rotations, insomnia, new parents, nocturia, restless leg syndrome, chronic pain, etc). * Any medications that can influence sleep \[(e.g., use of beta blockers; anti-histamines; dexamethasone; angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI); nicotine products, alpha blockers\] * Chemical sensitivities * Allergies * Pregnancy.
Where this trial is running
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Duquesne University — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Paula A. Witt-Enderby — Duquesne University
- Study coordinator: Paula A. Witt-Enderby, Ph.D.
- Email: wittp@duq.edu
- Phone: 412-396-4346
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.