Supplements

Herbal medicines improve sleep quality in postpartum mothers

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 7 randomized clinical trials found that herbal medicines significantly improved sleep quality in postpartum mothers. The mean overall sleep quality score was lower in the intervention group compared to controls (standard mean difference = -0.89, 95% CI: -1.61 to -1.18, P = 0.014).

Last updated: Jul 19, 2026•0 RCTs•1 Meta-analyses•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score49/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis★★★☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Investigating the Effect of Herbal Medicines on Sleep Quality in Postpartum Mothers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

observational

Karimi FZ, Abdollahi M, Yas A · Holistic nursing practice (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Herbal medicines (various, not specified in abstract)
Outcome: Sleep quality score (measured by validated instruments, e.g., PSQI or similar)
Effect Size: SMD = -0.89 (95% CI: -1.61 to -1.18)
Population: Postpartum mothers

Result:

PubMed: 42455997DOI: 10.1097/HNP.0000000000000785

Mechanism Graph

Herbal medicines may modulate neurotransmitter systems (e.g., GABA, serotonin)
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Reduce stress and anxiety levels common in postpartum period
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Promote relaxation and sleep initiation
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Result: Improved overall sleep quality

Limitations

  • ⚠Specific herbal medicines and doses were not detailed in the abstract, limiting generalizability
  • ⚠Only 7 studies were included in the meta-analysis, which may reduce statistical power and precision

Frequently Asked Questions

Which specific herbal medicines were tested?▼

The abstract does not specify individual herbs; it groups all herbal medicines together. Readers should consult the full paper for details.

How was sleep quality measured?▼

The abstract does not name the specific scale, but typical tools include the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) or similar validated questionnaires.

Is this recommendation safe for breastfeeding mothers?▼

The abstract does not address safety or side effects. Caution is advised, and consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before using herbal products while breastfeeding.

What is the clinical significance of an SMD of -0.89?▼

An SMD of -0.89 indicates a large effect size, suggesting a meaningful improvement in sleep quality compared to control.

Products

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References

  1. 1.Karimi FZ, Abdollahi M, Yas A. "Investigating the Effect of Herbal Medicines on Sleep Quality in Postpartum Mothers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.." Holistic nursing practice, 2026. PMID: 42455997 DOI: 10.1097/HNP.0000000000000785
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.