A RESEARCH ON: DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF AROMATHERAPY BASED HERBAL INHALER FOR SLEEP ENHANCEMENT

Snehal Gangaram Nichit*, Kajal Bhaskar Walunj

Sleep disorders and insomnia are increasingly prevalent due to modern lifestyle stress, irregular sleep schedules, and psychological factors. Natural therapeutic approaches such as aromatherapy have gained significant attention as complementary treatments for improving sleep quality. Aromatherapy involves the inhalation or topical application of essential oils extracted from plants that possess relaxing and calming properties. This research paper focuses on the formulation and conceptual evaluation of a sleep‑enhancing aromatherapy inhaler composed of lavender, chamomile, vetiver, and sandalwood essential oils dissolved in ethanol and delivered through a portable inhaler device. The objective of the research is to design a convenient inhalation system capable of delivering volatile aromatic compounds that influence the central nervous system through the olfactory pathway. These essential oils were selected based on literature evidence supporting their sedative, anxiolytic, and relaxation‑inducing effects. The study discusses formulation development, preparation method, mechanism of action, advantages, and potential applications of aromatherapy inhalers for sleep improvement. The findings from literature suggest that inhalation of essential oils such as lavender and chamomile can reduce anxiety, improve relaxation, and enhance overall sleep quality. The proposed inhaler formulation provides a non‑invasive, portable, and natural method for supporting sleep without the side effects commonly associated with pharmaceutical sleep medications.