Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) – Scientific evidence on sleep
Controlled clinical studies have shown that taking standardized Valerian extract can improve overall sleep quality by reducing the time needed to fall asleep and promoting more continuous rest. Participants reported deeper sleep, fewer nighttime awakenings, and a greater sense of recovery upon waking, with good tolerability and no significant adverse effects.
🔗 Scientific detail:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37899385/
𝗛𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗿 (𝗖𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗲𝗴𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝗽𝗽.) – 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘅𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹‑𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴.
Research indicates that Hawthorn extracts, rich in flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, exert physiological effects on the cardiovascular system and the nervous system, with potential anxiolytic and calming effects. These actions can promote a feeling of relaxation and indirectly contribute to evening wellbeing and improved sleep quality.
🔗 Scientific detail:
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/7/1027
𝗠𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗮 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀 (standardized for rosmarinic acid) – 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽
A prospective, randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled clinical trial showed that a highly standardized Melissa officinalis extract, formulated to improve the bioavailability of active polyphenols, can significantly improve sleep quality in individuals with mild insomnia. Participants showed a reduction in insomnia severity index, an increase in deep sleep (SWS), and an overall perception of better rest, without relevant side effects. The effect is also attributed to the role of rosmarinic acid in modulating the GABAergic system.
🔗 Scientific detail:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39683592
𝗟𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 (𝗟𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗮) – 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝘅𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆
A systematic review and meta‑analysis of randomized clinical trials demonstrated that Lavender, administered orally, by inhalation, or topically, significantly reduces anxiety levels compared with placebo. Since anxiety is one of the main factors that interfere with falling asleep and maintaining sleep continuity, these effects indirectly contribute to improving nighttime sleep quality.
🔗 Scientific detail:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31655395/
𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺 (𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝘁𝘀) – 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽
A systematic review of the scientific literature analyzed observational and clinical studies on the role of magnesium in sleep health in adult populations. The results indicate that adequate magnesium levels are associated with better sleep quality, with benefits for sleep duration, daytime sleepiness, nighttime awakenings, and sleep latency. Although randomized clinical trials do not always show consistent results, the body of evidence suggests that magnesium plays a relevant physiological role in sleep regulation, particularly by supporting neuromuscular function and relaxation mechanisms.
🔗 Scientific detail:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35184264/
Our texts are for informational purposes and should not be interpreted as diagnostic or therapeutic advice for pathological conditions, nor are they intended to replace the opinion of a Physician