Herbal medicine for insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

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#herbal-medicine #humans #sleep-initiation-and-maintenance-disorders

Herbal medicine for insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Leach et al., 2015 | Sleep Med Rev | Meta Analysis

Citation

Leach Matthew J, Page Amy T. Herbal medicine for insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Med Rev. 2015-Dec;24:1-12. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2014.12.003

Abstract

Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder that can profoundly impact a person's health and wellbeing. Herbal medicine represents one of the most frequently used complementary and alternative treatments of insomnia. However, the safety and efficacy of herbal medicine for the treatment of this disorder is currently uncertain. In order to ascertain the evidence base for herbal medicine for insomnia, we systematically searched seventeen electronic databases and the reference lists of included studies for relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Fourteen RCTs, involving a total of 1602 participants with insomnia, met the inclusion criteria. Four distinct orally administered herbal monopreparations were identified (i.e., valerian, chamomile, kava and wuling). There was no statistically significant difference between any herbal medicine and placebo, or any herbal medicine and active control, for any of the thirteen measures of clinical efficacy. As for safety, a similar or smaller number of adverse events per person were reported with kava, chamomile and wuling when compared with placebo. By contrast, a greater number of events per person were reported with valerian. While there is insufficient evidence to support the use of herbal medicine for insomnia, there is a clear need for further research in this area.

Key Findings

While there is insufficient evidence to support the use of herbal medicine for insomnia, there is a clear need for further research in this area.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 1602
Age Range See abstract
Condition insomnia

MeSH Terms

  • Herbal Medicine
  • Humans
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: valerian

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09