MEDICINAL PLANTS IN THE PROMOTION OF QUALITY SLEEP AND THE IMPROVEMENT OF HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Keywords:
Insomnia, Sleep Quality, Phytotherapy, Medicinal Plants and Integrative HealthAbstract
Sleep is a fundamental pillar of health, essential for tissue repair, emotional regulation, and metabolic balance. Sleep deprivation, a common problem in contemporary society, is associated with increased risks of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mental disorders. The circadian rhythm, primarily regulated by light, orchestrates this process, and its disruption by modern lifestyle habits compromises health. Given this complexity, an integrative approach that considers the individual as a whole has gained relevance. In Brazil, the National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices (PNPIC) incorporates therapies such as phytotherapy, integrating scientific and traditional knowledge. Medicinal plants such as chamomile, passionflower, lemon balm, and mulungu emerge as allies in improving sleep quality, with scientifically studied mechanisms of action that modulate the GABAergic system (a calming neurotransmitter) and cortisol (the stress hormone). Scientific evidence supports the safe and effective use of these plants in the form of teas (infusions or decoctions), with specific preparation methods and precautions. However, it is important to emphasize that phytotherapy is a complementary intervention and does not replace medical evaluation. Its use should be integrated into conscious lifestyle changes, including regular schedules, exposure to natural light, and stress management, always under professional guidance. Thus, reconciling science and traditional wisdom through the simplicity of tea consumption can become a therapeutic ritual for reconnecting with the natural cycles of life and promoting restorative sleep.
