The effect of aromatherapy on the sleeping patterns in horses (Equus caballus)

Bc. Karolína Svobodová

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Domestic horses are often exposed to high levels of stress, for example during competitions, during transport, or as a result of inappropriate stabling management in captivity. Unfortunately, many horse owners prioritize the performance of their animals over their well-being, often neglecting their need for adequate rest. Aromatherapies in horses are not uncommon, and over the past decade, numerous effects of various essential oils have been discovered. Many of these effects demonstrate positive outcomes in stress reduction, heart rate modulation, and muscle relaxation. However, one relatively unexplored area pertains to the impact of lavender essential oil on equine sleep patterns. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential influence of lavender essential oil on the sleep patterns of horses. Specifically, it focused on evaluating the impact of lavender essential oil on rest length, sleep length involving three distinct states (sternal recumbency NREM, sternal recumbency REM, and lateral recumbency REM), the length of sleep devoted to these three states, and sleep interruptions. Lavender was administered to the horses through vapour. Of these seven horses, four were hobby horses (all geldings), and three were sport horses (two mares and one gelding). The results for all variables suggest that lavender essential oil does not have a significant effect on sleep patterns and thus does not affect the length of rest, length of sleep, or sleep interruptions. However, the study revealed that various factors, including working time, work type, age, and sex, have a significant impact on the length of rest and its constituent sleep components. Although lavender essential oil did not significantly affect sleep length or sleep interruptions, findings from other studies suggest its potential efficacy in increasing the length of sleep and reducing sleep interruptions, albeit with possible differences due to the administration method, concentrations of lavender essential oil, and species-specific sensitivities. Additionally, the findings that geldings and young horses tend to sleep longer align with findings from numerous studies. The findings presented herein provide valuable insights into the intricate sleep patterns exhibited by horses, broaden the understanding of aromatherapy performed on horses, and offer an opportunity for further study.

Keywords

horse, lavender aroma, Perissodactyla, sleep, NREM phase, REM phase

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 21. 4. 2024

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 3. 6. 2024
• Supervisor: Mgr. Martina Komárková, Ph.D.
• Reader: Jitka Bartošová, externi

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Master programme / specializace:
Wildlife and Livestock Production, Management and Conservation / Wildlife Management and Conservation