A recent study has shown that peppermint and cinnamon odors can increase alertness and decrease fatigue for long-distance drivers. Will Esgro an undergraduate student, has conducted this interesting study under the able guidance of his Professor, Dr. Bryan Raudenbush, Wheeling Jesuit University.
Results of the study revealed that both cinnamon and peppermint increased alertness and decreased frustration during the course of driving. Cinnamon proved to better than it’s counterpart by it’s superior fatigue reduction in drivers.The study 'Effects Of Odor Administration On Driving Performance, Safety, Alertness, And Fatigue' will be presented at the Annual Student Research and Scholarship Symposium on April 4, 2006. Esgro’s study is a continuation of Dr. Raudenbush's research on peppermint and cinnamon odors as stimulants of the central nervous system.
According to Dr. Raudenbush the significance of Esgro’s study in creating more safety avenues for long–distance driving, minimizing highway accident s and related risks is what make his study worthy of mention.
Generally prolonged driving takes its toll on the driver’s physical strength and vigor. However with these results it would be possible to expect that when these odors are presented periodically while driving, the person behind the wheels becomes more alert and conscientious. Cinnamon presentation may even result in decreased fatigue.
