Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Essential Oil and its Potential Against Stress, Anxiety, and Sleep Quality

Introduction: This investigation aimed to evaluate the effect of Matricaria chamomilla L essential oil on stress, anxiety, and sleep quality. Methods: The essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation using a modified Clevenger-type apparatus, and the chemical composition was performed by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Furthermore, a study was conducted where 128 participants were divided into two groups: a control group and an experimental group treated with essential oils. Stress, anxiety, and sleep quality were evaluated using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS–10), the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI). In addition, cortisol was measured. Results: Chemical analysis showed thatα-Bisabolol oxide A exhibited the highest concentration at 30.42%, followed by α -Bisabolol (10.94%), α-Bisabolone oxide A (9.82%), and spathulenol (8.83%). Stress, anxiety, sleep quality, and cortisol scores decreased in the post-test study phase compared to the pre-test in the experimental group (p<0.05). Important effect size was found in the case of anxiety (d = 1.203; Δ = 1.246), while medium effects were observed for stress (d = 0.701; Δ = 0.633) and sleep quality (d = 0.888; Δ = 0.732), while cortisol showed small changes (d=0.374; Δ=0.357). Conclusion: The study showed the potential of Chamomile essential oils to reduce stress and anxiety levels and improve sleep quality.