From the Guidelines
Chamomile tea is not an effective natural sleep aid for insomnia, as the current evidence does not support its use in improving sleep quality or reducing insomnia symptoms. The 2020 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine 1 found that the use of valerian and chamomile for treatment of insomnia was not supported by evidence, with no between-group differences in critical outcomes such as daytime functioning, insomnia severity, and sleep efficiency. This study, which is the most recent and highest quality evidence available, suggests that chamomile tea may not be a reliable treatment option for insomnia.
Some key points to consider when evaluating the effectiveness of chamomile tea as a sleep aid include:
- The lack of evidence supporting its use in improving sleep quality or reducing insomnia symptoms 1
- The potential risks associated with using herbal remedies, such as interactions with other medications or exacerbation of underlying health conditions
- The importance of maintaining good sleep hygiene practices, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine, in conjunction with any sleep aid
It is essential to prioritize evidence-based treatments for insomnia, and chamomile tea should not be relied upon as a primary treatment for insomnia. Instead, individuals experiencing insomnia symptoms should consult with a healthcare provider to discuss evidence-based treatment options, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) or prescription sleep medications, which have been shown to be effective in improving sleep quality and reducing insomnia symptoms 1.
From the Research
Effectiveness of Chamomile Tea as a Natural Sleep Aid
- The available evidence on the effectiveness of chamomile tea as a natural sleep aid for insomnia is inconclusive, with some studies suggesting potential benefits and others finding no significant differences compared to placebo 2, 3, 4.
- A randomized controlled trial found that chamomile oil inhalation significantly reduced insomnia severity and improved sleep quality in young adults with insomnia 5.
- Another study found that chamomile, along with other herbal sedatives such as valerian and kava, has some evidence for efficacy in promoting deeper sleep and reducing sleep onset time 6.
- A systematic review of single plant-derived extracts found limited evidence with inconclusive results regarding the effects of chamomile on sleep, warranting further studies 3.
- A pilot study found that chamomile extract showed modest advantages on daytime functioning, although these did not reach statistical significance, and had mixed benefits on sleep diary measures relative to placebo in adults with chronic primary insomnia 4.
Safety and Potential Interactions
- No adverse events were reported in the chamomile oil inhalation study 5.
- The pilot study found no differences in adverse events reported by the chamomile group compared to placebo 4.
- Herbal sedatives, including chamomile, have been found to have some evidence for efficacy, but their safety and potential interactions with other medications need to be further examined 6.