Nearly everyone experiences occasional sleeplessness. In fact, according to the New York Times Health Guide, almost 25 percent of Americans say that they have sleeping problems from time time. However, insomnia is a more serious problem that can seriously interfere with your ability to function. Some research has shown that supplements, such as chasteberry, can help.
About Chasteberry
The herb chasteberry, also known as vitex or agnus-castus, is a member of the verbena family native to central Asia and the Mediterranean area. According to Tufts Medical Center, chasteberry has been used in traditional and herbal medicines as a cure for sexual desire and to decrease libido in order to remain "chaste." In recent years, some research has examined the potential health benefits of chasteberry. Most research has shown that chasteberry can help certain premenstrual syndrome symptoms, especially insomnia and lowered mood. You can purchase chasteberry in powder, tincture, capsule and tablet form for use as a dietary supplement.
Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
Insomnia can seriously affect your well-being and your overall ability to function, because you're too tired and unable to sustain long periods of attention and energy. According to the New York Times Health Guide, insomnia has a number of possible causes, including aging, anxiety, alcoholism, grief, jet lag, stress and worry. PMS and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, can also cause insomnia. Symptoms may include dark circles under your eyes, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, depression and a lack of energy. Although it's best to try self-care remedies, such as establishing a regular bedtime, avoiding stimulant substances such as caffeine and nicotine and implementing stress management techniques, some believe in the efficacy of dietary supplements, such as chasteberry, for alleviating occasional insomnia.
Clinical Evidence
Although its mechanisms of action aren't entirely clear, a limited number of studies have demonstrated the benefits of chasteberry on symptoms of insomnia, mostly in women suffering from PMS or PMDD. One study, published in the April 2010 issue of the "Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology," examined the effects of a chasteberry extract on 67 study participants suffering from PMS. The results of this study showed that chasteberry was more effective than placebo in alleviating symptoms of insomnia and improving overall affect. Another study, published in the February 1999 issue of the "Indian Journal of Experimental Biology," showed that a chasteberry extract increased sleep duration in laboratory rats treated with pentobarbitone sodium, diazepam and chlorpromazine, suggesting that chasteberry has depressant properties on the central nervous system. While these studies show promising results, more research is needed to fully evaluate the benefits of chasteberry for insomnia.
Considerations
While certain dietary supplements, like chasteberry, may help insomnia, do not rely on dietary supplements alone if you are experiencing chronic sleeplessness. Consult your physician if you are experiencing more than three nights a week of sleeplessness for more than one month. Sometimes, insomnia can be a sign of another health problem. Inform your doctor if you choose to use a chasteberry supplement.
References
- New York Times Health Guide: Sleeping Difficulty
- Tufts Medical Center: Chasteberry
- "Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology"; Evaluating therapeutic effect in symptoms of moderate-to-severe premenstrual syndrome with Vitex agnus castus (BNO 1095) in Chinese women; M.A. Linlin, et al; April 2010
- "Indian Journal of Experimental Biology"; CNS activity of Vitex negundo Linn. in mice; M. Gupta, et al; May 1999
