1124 Use of Scented Pillow Insert Improves Objective and Perceived Sleep Outcomes

Abstract Introduction A non-invasive approach to mitigating sleep disturbances is using scents to promote relaxation and sleep. Preliminary mechanistic evidence suggests that olfactory-relevant areas in the brain can influence areas responsible for sleep-wake functioning, and odor can modulate arousal and respiration, indirectly affecting sleep. However, it remains unclear whether preliminary results of in-lab studies generalize to the at-home, naturalistic environment in non-clinical populations. Here, we examined whether a pillow insert embedded with a formulation of fragrance developed for sleep may improve sleep-wake parameters in healthy adults. Methods Healthy adults (62% female; ages 20-60, mean=41) participated in a 6-week field study, using a pre-post intervention design. During the 3-week baseline period, participants tracked their sleep at home without intervention. During the 3-week intervention period, following an initial 3-night fragrance familiarization period, participants used a scented pillow insert each week inside their pillowcase. Made from cotton and lyocell fabric, the formulation includes a proprietary blend of fragrance ingredients with notes of lavender, cedarwood, and jasmine. Sleep was measured objectively using a PSG-validated non-contact biomotion device, SleepScore Max, every night and by daily and pre-post self-report. Multilevel regression and paired t-tests were used to test for statistical significance. Results There were nearly 600 nights of tracked sleep across 21 participants. Objective sleep measurements showed a reduction in wake after sleep onset (7% decrease, p=.034) and fewer awakenings (9% decrease, p=.045) when compared to baseline sleep. Improvements also were found for self-reported sleep outcomes, including increases in sleepiness at bedtime, perceived sleep quality, and feeling well-rested and refreshed in the morning (all ps.01). Participants felt satisfied with their sleep 2 more days per week compared to baseline (p.001). Conclusion Among healthy adults, aspects of both objectively measured sleep and self-reported sleep improved when using the scented pillow inserts compared to baseline sleep. These improvements occurred without using invasive or pharmacological interventions, which can be uncomfortable, expensive, and associated with adverse side effects. Support (if any)