The Effect of Geranium Essential Oil Aromatherapy on Fatigue and Sleep Quality in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Chronic kidney disease continues to increase worldwide and represents a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality. Hemodialysis is a primary treatment modality for replacing impaired renal function; however, the procedure is associated with various complications, including fatigue and sleep disturbances. Fatigue is one of the most prevalent symptoms among hemodialysis patients, with reported rates ranging from 60% to 97%. It can arise from multiple factors, including anemia, duration of hemodialysis, nutritional status, comorbidities, and uremic neuropathy. Persistent fatigue negatively impacts physical functioning, emotional wellbeing, social interaction, and overall quality of life.

Sleep disturbances are also frequently experienced by patients undergoing hemodialysis. Poor sleep quality may worsen fatigue, impair daytime functioning, and contribute to psychological distress. Given the complex and chronic nature of these symptoms, non-pharmacological interventions are increasingly explored to support symptom management.

Aromatherapy represents one complementary approach that has shown promising effects in managing fatigue and sleep problems. Geranium essential oil contains biologically active compounds-such as geraniol, citronellol, and other terpenoid alcohols-that exhibit relaxing, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. When inhaled, aromatic molecules stimulate olfactory receptors, triggering neural signaling to the limbic system, which plays a key role in emotional regulation, stress response, hormonal balance, and sleep cycles. This mechanism suggests potential therapeutic value for reducing fatigue and improving sleep.

Previous studies have indicated that aromatherapy can benefit hemodialysis patients by reducing fatigue, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, though evidence specifically regarding geranium essential oil remains limited. Therefore, this study aims to generate robust clinical data on the effectiveness of geranium aromatherapy in this population.

A randomized cross-over design will be used, involving 90 hemodialysis patients recruited from multiple dialysis centers. All participants will serve as both control and intervention subjects at different phases of the study, minimizing variability across individuals. Fatigue will be measured using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Scale (FACIT-F), which evaluates physical and mental exhaustion affecting daily life. Sleep quality will be measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), assessing multiple components of sleep behavior. Data analysis will include paired t-test, independent t-test, and Chi-Square test with a significance level of p < 0.05.

This study aims to:

• evaluate the effect of geranium essential oil aromatherapy on fatigue levels in hemodialysis patients;
• assess the effect of the intervention on sleep quality;
• provide scientific justification for the use of geranium essential oil as a complementary and integrative therapy in hemodialysis care.

Planned outputs include publication in a reputable international journal, development of a book chapter, intellectual property registration, community health education activities, and undergraduate research theses. The overall goal is to contribute meaningful evidence for safe and effective complementary therapies derived from natural Indonesian plant products to enhance the quality of life of patients undergoing hemodialysis

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 18-65 years.
• Have no visual or hearing impairments.
• Provide informed consent to participate.
• Have undergone hemodialysis (HD) for at least 3 months.
• Regularly receive HD at the study site.
• Undergo HD at least 2 times per week. 'Experience moderate to severe fatigue.

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of respiratory disease.
• History of allergy to perfumes or fragrance products.
• Olfactory impairment (difficulty smelling).
• Use of other therapies for fatigue during the intervention period