Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026

Polygraphic Recording Procedure for Measuring Sleep in Mice
Published on: January 25, 2016
Herbal remedies: efficacy in controlling sleepiness and promoting sleep
S L Merritt1, C Gyllenhaal, S D Peterson
1Center for Narcolepsy Research, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, 845 South Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60612-7350, USA. SLM624@UIC.EDU
Abstract:
Difficulties with sleep and daytime sleepiness are common complaints among adults in the United States. During the past decade, the use of herbal preparations among adults increased from 2.5% to 12.4%. This article presents relevant aspects of the 1994 Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act that stimulated the proliferation of herbal medicinals and reviews the pharmacological properties of the most commonly available herbal wake-promoting and sedating products. Given the rapid increase in use of herbals, health care professionals need to educate themselves and their patients about the use of these preparations.
Related Concept Videos
Sedatives and Hypnotics: Overview
Sedative-hypnotics are categorized into barbiturates, benzodiazepines (BZDs), and non-benzodiazepines or Z-drugs. These drugs work by suppressing central nervous system activity, and this suppression is dose-dependent. Older sedative medications, like barbiturates, follow a linear curve in...
Management of Insomnia
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. They bind to the GABAA receptor, increasing its affinity for GABA, which opens chloride...
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Insomnia
Multiple factors contribute...

