Effects of chamomile on individuals with sleep disorders: A systematic review

Abstract

Sleep is essential for maintaining both physical and mental well-being, yet many people struggle with sleep disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea. Traditional remedies, such as chamomile, have become popular as natural alternatives for improving sleep. This systematic review examines the effectiveness of chamomile, focusing on how it impacts sleep quality, duration, and the ability to fall asleep.The review includes four studies that explored different forms of chamomile, such as teas, extracts, and essential oils. Results showed promising effects, especially in reducing stress and anxiety, which are major factors affecting sleep. Some participants experienced better sleep quality and shorter times to fall asleep, but the overall results were inconsistent, particularly when looking at objective measures like total sleep time. Importantly, chamomile was found to be safe, with no serious side effects reported. While chamomile shows potential, this review highlights several limitations, including small sample sizes and differences in how the studies were conducted. To truly understand chamomile’s benefits, larger studies with standardized methods and more robust testing are needed. Despite these gaps, chamomile remains a hopeful option for those seeking natural ways to improve their sleep.