Researchers from the Central Institute of Mental Health in Mannheim, Germany analyzed the sleep of 15 female volunteers for 30 nights. The scientists exposed them to high doses of smelly air for 10 seconds before rousing them out of sleep one minute later.
Those who were exposed to the smell of roses reported more pleasant dreams than those who were exposed to the smell of rotten eggs or no scent at all. The researchers said the emotional tone of the dream changed depending on the different smells.
Researchers believe that new findings could help nightmare sufferers. The type of scent didn't affect the length of the dreams or its intensity, the study said.
The research was presented at the 2008 American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation Annual Meeting on Sunday in Chicago.
