The Effects of Receiving Warm Footbath With Lavender Essential Oil on Sleep and Comfort

Methods: This study is a randomized clinical trial. It adopts a two-group crossover design trial and block randomly assigns groups after gender stratification. The experimental group first received a foot bath with lavender essential oil at 41-42C warm water for 20 minutes for 3 days, then rested for 3 days, and then received routine care for 3 days; the control group first received routine care for 3 days, then rested for 3 days, and then received lavender essential oil 41-42C warm water foot bath for 20 minutes for 3 days. The measurement tools used self-made structured questionnaires, the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire （RCSQ）, Numerical Rating of Comfort （NRC）, and heartbeat and blood pressure monitors. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Fisher's exact correction tests, unpaired t tests and repeated measures ANOVA inferential statistical analysis.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients who have been using a ventilator for 21 days or more
• Individuals aged 45 years or older
• Clear consciousness and the ability to compare hands or hold a pen, with proficiency in Mandarin or Taiwanese communication
• Willingness to participate in the study after receiving an explanation of the research purpose

Exclusion criteria

• Individuals with severe mental illness
• Those with cognitive impairments
• Severe visual or hearing impairments
• History of lower limb venous thrombosis
• Amputation or inflammation in the lower limbs
• Muscle contractures in the lower limbs
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Allergic history related to essential oils