Neurobiological Mechanisms and Clinical Efficacy of Aromatherapy in the Depression-Sleep Binomial: A Systematic Review

Table 1 summarizes the main characteristics of the studies included in this systematic review examining the neurobiological mechanisms and clinical effects of aromatherapy, particularly in relation to the depression–sleep interaction. The table compiles key information from the selected literature, including authors, article titles, study design, data collection techniques, principal findings, conclusions, and contributions to the existing scientific literature. The included studies represent a diverse range of methodological approaches, such as randomized controlled trials, mixed-methods studies, in vitro experimental studies, narrative reviews, and systematic reviews. Several investigations evaluated the clinical effects of aromatherapy interventions using physiological and psychological measures, including salivary cortisol levels, sleep quality indices, anxiety scales, heart rate, blood pressure, and stress questionnaires. Across the studies, aromatherapy was frequently associated with reductions in stress and anxiety, improvements in sleep quality, and modulation of neurobiological pathways related to emotional regulation. Mechanistic findings indicate that volatile compounds from essential oils may influence central nervous system activity through multiple pathways, including modulation of GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission, regulation of serotonin transporters, and interaction with inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways.