Efficacy of Cymbopogon citratus Aromatherapy Inhaler on Sleep QualityAmong Smokers: A Controlled Clinical Study

introduction: Sleep disturbances are common among smokers, largely due to nicotine- induced circadian rhythm disruption, REM suppression, and withdrawal-related hyperarousal. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), rich in citral and geraniol, exhibits sedative and anxiolytic properties through modulation of γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA-A) receptors, suggesting potential as a safe phytopharmacological intervention. To evaluate the efficacy of a lemongrass aromatherapy inhaler in improving sleep quality and reducing nicotine dependence among smokers. methods: A randomized, placebo-controlled, pretest–posttest trial was conducted with 100 smokers (aged 18–30 years) presenting poor sleep quality (PSQI >5) and moderate–high nicotine dependence (FTND ≥5). Participants were randomized into an intervention group receiving a 3% lemongrass essential oil inhaler and a placebo group receiving sunflower oil, both administered four times daily for 60 days. Sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI) and nicotine dependence (Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, FTND) were assessed pre- and postintervention. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA and path analysis, with ANCOVA adjusting for baseline outcome values (pre-intervention PSQI/FTND). results: The intervention significantly improved sleep quality (PSQI: 7.84 → 4.42) compared with controls (7.68 → 7.54; p < 0.001). Nicotine dependence also decreased in the intervention group (FTND: 7.36 → 5.02) but remained unchanged in controls (p < 0.001). discussion: Path analysis showed that the intervention had a significant direct association with post-intervention PSQI, whereas the indirect effect through post-intervention FTND was not significant. conclusion: Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) inhalation significantly improved sleep quality among smokers, likely through the neuromodulatory effects of citral and geraniol. However, replication in older age groups and across diverse smoking histories is needed to establish broader applicability.