Research synthesisHigh evidenceModerate effect9 studies · 9 beneficial · 0 neutral · 0 harmful
Across 9 studies, all reported beneficial effects of lavender on sleep quality, with predominantly moderate effect sizes. The evidence includes two meta-analyses and multiple randomized controlled trials, primarily in clinical populations such as adults with hypertension, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and postmenopausal women. Median study duration was 18 days, with doses varying widely (e.g., 500 mg/day orally, 15-minute inhalation sessions daily) and no single form or dose consistently used across studies.
- Studied populations: adults with hypertension, breast cancer survivors undergoing chemotherapy, patients with hematological malignancies, postmenopausal women, older adults (60+) with sleep disorders, pregnant women, and critically ill patients
Caveats: Available evidence is overwhelmingly positive — clinical literature in this area is subject to publication bias (null-result studies are less likely to be published or indexed). Many studies had small sample sizes (e.g., 30–52 participants in some RCTs) and short durations (as low as 5 days), limiting generalizability. Doses and forms (e.g., inhalation, massage oil, oral capsules) varied widely, making it difficult to isolate a standardized effective dose.
Generated Jul 9, 2026