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Frankincense essential oil, obtained from Boswellia carteri, is a popular essential oil, which is widely used in many parts of the world. While some of its properties are known, its effects on stress and sleep have not been studied. The effects of frankincense essential oil and its major components, limonene and α-pinene, on plasma corticosterone and glutathione (GSH) levels, as well as on sleep and wakefulness behaviour, were studied in sleep-deprived rats. The substances were applied topically after dilution in jojoba oil (vehicle). As compared to vehicle, frankincense essential oil at a dilution of 1/1000 (1:103) significantly reduced corticosterone levels (p < 0.05). In contrast, its major constituents (α-pinene and limonene), elevated levels of this stress hormone. Frankincense, limonene and α-pinene, all led to significant reductions in plasma GSH levels. Although frankincense dose-dependently reduced plasma concentrations of antioxidant ions albeit to levels insufficient to neutralize oxidative stress; levels of products of oxidative metabolism metabolites were decreased by the frankincense. In sleep-deprived rats, frankincense 1:103 respectively increased and decreased the amount of wakefulness and non-rapid eye movement sleep. Frankincense essential oil can counter the effects of stress by effectively relieving sleep debt and maintaining antioxidant capacity without increasing oxidative stress, and, therefore, may be beneficial in the management of stress.

Stress is a major cause of depression, sleepdisorder, high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney failure, early retirementfrom work and study, suicide and dementia. In this study, the electroencephalogram (E.E.G.) and stress hormoneanalysis were used to investigate the emotional fluctuations of healthy malemonks during Shingon Esoteric Buddhism meditation. The alpha waves significantly increasedduring Susokukan meditation in a fairly-trained monk. The alpha waves and theta waves significantlyincreased during Sannenjyu meditation in a well-trained monk. The stress hormone, amylase, significantlyincreased during Susokukan meditation. From these results, it is concluded that,despite stressful conditions, by doing Shingon Esoteric Buddhism meditation,under stressful conditions, one can reset the brain and bring it to a calmcondition.

In this study, the electroencephalogram(E.E.G.) and stress hormone analysis were applied to investigate the emotionalfluctuations in healthy male monks. Thealpha waves were significantly increased during the Susokukan meditation in thefairly-trained monk. The alpha waves andtheta waves were significantly increased during the Sannenjyu meditation in thewell-trained monk. The stress hormone,amylase, was significantly increased during the Susokukan meditation. From these results, it is concluded that, despitethe stressful condition, one can reset the brain and bring it to a calmcondition willingly by doing the Esoteric Buddhism meditation.

To investigate the frequency of ‘rolling over’ in bed and to clarify sleeping posture characteristics in nocturnal sleep, the sleeping positions of 19 healthy men were videotaped over 7 h (0:00–7:00 hours) for two consecutive nights. Sleeping habits and the degree of satisfaction upon awakening were also surveyed by using questionnaires. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.60, P < 0.01) was observed between the most favorite hypnogenetic position of the body and the most frequently observed position of the head during nocturnal sleep. Furthermore, sleeping positions varied from individual to individual, and the same subject slept showing similar positions and roll over frequencies to those on the day before.

The aim of the present study was to determine the pattern of sleep disturbances and the effects on sleep of aniracetam, a cognitive enhancer, in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). Compared with normotensive control rats, SHRSP exhibited an impaired sleep pattern characterized by suppressed diurnal rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and excessive nocturnal non-REM sleep. At a dose of 30 mg/kg per day p.o., aniracetam increased REM sleep in the light period after administration for 5 consecutive days. Consequently, suppressed REM sleep in SHRSP was restored by repeated treatment with aniracetam. Aniracetam could be useful in improving REM sleep impairment associated with vascular dementia.