The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Well-Being
Understanding Insomnia
A lack of sleep can significantly disrupt physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. Researchers have recently explored the effectiveness of chamomile extract in alleviating insomnia among older adults. Insomnia, characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep, can cause substantial disturbances at night. This disruption in sleep patterns may lead to chronic health issues that impact overall lifestyle.
Insomnia in the Elderly
The likelihood of experiencing insomnia increases with age, particularly among nursing home residents. For instance, a study conducted in Tehran, Iran, revealed that 88.4% of nursing home residents encounter sleep disturbances, with dyssomnia and insomnia being the most prevalent. Insomnia is categorized into two types: primary insomnia, which occurs independently of other health problems, and secondary insomnia, which arises due to medical conditions such as heartburn, hormonal changes, depression, asthma, or cancer.
Continuous disturbances in sleep patterns can result in mental and physical discomfort, as well as daytime sleepiness and lethargy. Insomnia can be managed through behavioral, cognitive, and medication therapies. Recently, traditional and herbal remedies have gained popularity as potential solutions for this condition.
Chamomile Extract and Its Role in Sleep Quality
Traditional Uses of Chamomile
Chamomile, cultivated in Western Europe, India, and Western Asia, has been utilized in Iranian Traditional Medicine as a hypnotic and tranquilizer. This medicinal plant is recognized for its mild sedative properties, which can help alleviate anxiety and promote sleep. Consequently, a study was conducted to assess the effects of chamomile extract on sleep quality among the elderly population in Iran.
The Study Details
The findings of this study were recently published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine. A randomized, single-blind trial was executed by the Trauma Nursing Research Center in Kashan, Iran, involving 86 males and 109 females aged 60 and older, all residing in a nursing home in Karaj, Iran. Participants were divided into two groups: one received 200 mg of chamomile extract capsules, while the other received 200 mg of wheat flour capsules, both administered twice daily for 28 consecutive days.
To evaluate sleep quality, researchers employed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index at various intervals: before the trial, two weeks after starting, immediately after the intervention, and two weeks post-intervention. Initially, sleep quality was low in both groups, with no significant differences observed. However, after the intervention period, participants who consumed chamomile extract demonstrated a marked improvement in sleep quality compared to the wheat flour group.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that chamomile extract can significantly enhance sleep quality and facilitate restful nights for elderly individuals struggling with insomnia.
Written by Viola Lanier, Ph.D., MSc
Reference: Adib-Hajbaghery, Mohsen, and Seyedeh Nesa Mousavi. “The effects of chamomile extract on sleep quality among elderly people: A clinical trial.” Complementary therapies in medicine 35 (2017): 109-114.