EFFECT OF DIFFERENT HERBAL TREATMENT TO ALLEVIATE THE INSOMNIA

Main Article Content

Zikhatu Amina Alleza
Amna Iftikhar
Mirha Imran
Sameen Hassan Zaidi
Tasbeeha Ali
Haseena Ajaib Khan
Iqra Abbasi
Hafsa Naveed
Aniqa Akbar
Maha Waheed

Abstract

Background: Sleep is a complex physiological state regulated by intricate interactions among brain regions, neurotransmitters, and hormonal pathways. Insomnia, one of the most prevalent sleep-related disorders, affects up to 30% of the global population and is strongly associated with chronic medical conditions, psychiatric disorders, and significant reductions in quality of life. Its increasing prevalence among adults, particularly those aged 19–44 years, poses a major public health concern due to its linkage with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and impaired productivity. In response to the limitations and side effects associated with pharmacological treatments, there is growing interest in herbal medicine, with the World Health Organization reporting that 80% of the world’s population relies on herbs for primary healthcare.


Objective: This narrative review aims to explore the effectiveness of herbal treatments in alleviating insomnia, highlighting their mechanisms of action, safety, and clinical relevance as alternative or complementary therapeutic options.


Main Discussion Points: The review discusses the classification of sleep stages, hormonal regulation of sleep, types and causes of insomnia, and the therapeutic potential of herbs such as valerian root, chamomile, and St. John’s Wort. These herbs exert sedative and anxiolytic effects by modulating neurotransmitter systems, including GABA and serotonin. Evidence suggests that, when used appropriately, these agents are well-tolerated and can improve sleep latency and quality.


Conclusion: Herbal treatments present a viable, low-risk option for managing insomnia and related sleep disorders. However, further high-quality research is essential to establish standardized dosages, long-term safety, and clinical efficacy.

Article Details

Section
Articles
Author Biographies

Zikhatu Amina Alleza, `PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Amna Iftikhar, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan.`

Lecturer, Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan.

Mirha Imran, University of Lahore, Pakistan.

Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Lahore, Pakistan.

Sameen Hassan Zaidi, University of Lahore, Pakistan.

Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Lahore, Pakistan.

Tasbeeha Ali, University of Lahore, Pakistan.

Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Diet and Nutritional Sciences, University of Lahore, Pakistan.

Haseena Ajaib Khan, University of Poonch, Rawalakot, Pakistan.

Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Poonch, Rawalakot, Pakistan.

Iqra Abbasi, Glasgow Caledonian University, United Kingdom.

School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, United Kingdom.

Hafsa Naveed, Glasgow Caledonian University, United Kingdom.

School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, United Kingdom.

Aniqa Akbar, Government College University Faisalabad, Sahiwal Campus, Pakistan.

Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Government College University Faisalabad, Sahiwal Campus, Pakistan.

Maha Waheed, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.

Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.