A randomized-controlled trial of the effects of a traditional herbal supplement on sleep onset insomnia

To study the effectiveness and safety of a traditional herbal supplement used for sleep onset insomnia.A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study.A total of 25 healthy volunteers (20-65 years of age) suffering from sleep onset insomnia were recruited from the general population.A traditional Ayurvedic supplement formulated to reduce sleep onset insomnia.Sleep latency.The supplement led to a statistically significant decrease in reported sleep latency of 16.72 min (S.D.=44.8) as compared to placebo (P=0.003). There were no self-reported side effects.The findings suggest that traditional herbal supplements may be of significant benefit to patients suffering from sleep onset insomnia while avoiding the negative side effects of commonly prescribed hypnotics.