Evidence-graded research on sleep and insomnia — melatonin, magnesium and other sleep supplements assessed by the real strength of the primary evidence.
Key takeaways Chamomile has a plausible calming effect, but its reputation as a reliable insomnia treatment runs ahead of the evidence A small, clearly noncommercial insomnia trial found no significant benefit over placebo on its sleep measures Other sleep studies report improvements, but preparations, populations, blinding and study quality vary considerably Anxiety research is promising … Read more
Key takeaways The specific oral lavender-oil preparation Silexan has a substantial manufacturer-sponsored anxiety trial program, with a positive overall signal. Independent clinical confirmation remains inadequate This evidence belongs to a defined swallowed preparation. It does not validate lavender tea, a diffuser or swallowing an aromatherapy oil Sleep findings mostly come from people with anxiety. They … Read more
Key takeaways Valerian has an inconsistent human sleep literature. A dependable clinically important benefit is not independently established Newer positive research includes a manufacturer-funded proprietary extract trial; it is not proof that every valerian capsule works Root powder, tea, water extracts, alcohol extracts, valepotriates and valerian–hops combinations are different interventions US sleep guidelines advise against … Read more
Key takeaways Glycine has small, short-term human sleep studies, but the pivotal studies have direct Ajinomoto author ties. They do not establish an independent sleep benefit The familiar 3 g bedtime amount is a research protocol, not a proven optimum or a recommendation for everyone Faster entry into slow-wave sleep is different from more deep … Read more
Independent review of agomelatine (Valdoxan): small benefit over placebo, good tolerability, unpublished trials, liver-test rules and who funded the evidence.
Zopiclone (Zimovane) is a short-term Z-drug for insomnia. Independent evidence on benefit, next-day driving, dependence, withdrawal, and who funded the research.
Zolpidem helps people fall asleep a little faster for a few weeks. Independent evidence on its benefits, FDA boxed warning, driving risk, dependence and falls.
Trazodone is licensed for depression but mostly prescribed off-label for sleep. Independent evidence on benefits, falls, priapism, withdrawal and funding.
Temazepam helps short-term insomnia modestly, but carries FDA boxed warnings on opioids, dependence and withdrawal. What independent evidence says, and who funded it.
Suvorexant (Belsomra) modestly helps people stay asleep. Independent evidence on the FDA dose fight, next-day driving risk, side effects and Merck-funded trials.
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