A whiff of lavender and a tune may tame workplace stress – a trial puts it to the test

NCT ID NCT07732179

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Northwestern University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 28, 2026 · Last updated Aug 07, 2026 · Updated 6 times

Summary

This pilot study tests whether combining lavender-chamomile aromatherapy with calming music during a 20-minute break can lower stress in nurses working in a cardiac care unit. Over eight weeks, participants will self-administer the essential oil and listen to their preferred relaxing music once per shift. The goal is to see if this simple, drug-free ritual reduces self-reported anxiety compared to their usual break.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: lavender-chamomile aromatherapy oil and music
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way for nurses to lower stress during their shifts.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study with only 25 participants, so results may not apply to all nurses. The effect may also be due to the quiet break itself rather than the aromatherapy or music.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

STRESS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Northwestern Medicine Academic Medical Center
RECRUITING

Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States

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