Japanese hinoki root essential oil may support better sleep at home
Sleep problems are common in middle age, particularly among women in their 40s and 50s. In a new study published Sept. 1, 2026, in the Journal of Wood Science, researchers explored whether essential oils derived from Hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa), known as Japanese cypress, roots could help improve sleep quality. Participants reported fewer nighttime awakenings, improved morning feelings and…
A recent study published in the Journal of Wood Science on September 1, 2026, investigated whether essential oils derived from the roots of Hinoki trees (Chamaecyparis obtusa) could improve sleep quality in middle-aged women. The research, conducted by Associate Professor Kuniyoshi Shimizu from Kyushu University's Faculty of Agriculture, aimed to assess whether this previously underutilized part of the Hinoki tree could add value and provide sleep benefits.
The study involved 12 Japanese women aged 35-60, who participated in a single-blind crossover trial. For two weeks, each participant used a Hinoki root essential oil blend for bedtime, inhaling the aroma near their beds, while for the following two weeks, they used an unscented control. Sleep quality was measured using smartwatches, brain-wave headbands, and daily questionnaires about sleepiness and fatigue upon waking.
Results showed that after 13 days, participants reported feeling less sleepy in the morning and better recovered from fatigue compared to when they used the control oil. Smartwatch data indicated fewer nighttime awakenings, and EEG recordings revealed increased delta brain-wave activity near sleep onset after seven days of using the Hinoki essential oil, suggesting smoother transitions into deeper sleep stages.
Participants also rated the Hinoki aroma as more relaxing, comfortable, likable, elegant, nostalgic, and woody than the control. The study's authors suggest that repeated use of Hinoki root essential oil could support sleep initiation, continuity, and morning freshness. This simple method of using a small amount of essential oil near the bed could serve as a model for evaluating aromatic materials in everyday home settings.
The findings may encourage the use of Hinoki roots and forestry residues as higher-value materials rather than leaving them underutilized. Further research is needed to establish optimal products, doses, and usage conditions.
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