Abstract
Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, and is often associated with significant
medical, psychological, and social disturbances. Conventional medical treatment for
insomnia includes psychological and pharmacological approaches; however, long-term
use of frequently prescribed medications can lead to habituation and problematic
withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, herbal and other natural sleep aids are gaining
popularity, as herbs commonly used for their sedative-hypnotic effects do not have the
drawbacks of conventional drugs. Whether alternative therapies possess activity similar
to conventional therapies needs further evaluation.
(Altern Med Rev 2000;5(3):249-259)