Scents To Help Relief Prolonged Driving

Researchers from the Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia found that when drivers were exposed to the smell of peppermint and cinnamon, they became more alert, less frustrated, less anxious and less tired (symptoms commonly associated with prolonged driving).

Participants “drove” under three different conditions: no odor, cinnamon, or peppermint. Cinnamon and peppermint were pumped through an oxygen concentrator for 30 seconds every 15 minutes. It was found that in general, prolonged driving led to decreased energy, increased anger, fatigue, and physical demand.

Reference : Association for Chemical Reception Sciences Conference, Sarasota, Fla., April 13-17, 2005. News release, Wheeling Jesuit University.

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