ADVERTORIAL climacteric symptoms and mood disturbances during this transition . Kava , alongside hormonal replacement therapy ( HRT ), led to a significant reduction in anxiety compared to HRT alone , 29 while passionflower effectively reduced temperature changes and sleep dysfunction in menopausal women . 30
Insomnia Investigations have revealed that kava decreases sleep latency and increases non-REM sleep , suggesting
31 , 32 sleep quality-enhancing effects . These results have been confirmed in human trials , where kava extracts improved sleep disturbances in healthy participants 33 and patients with anxiety of non-psychotic origin . 34 Studies involving passionflower extracts at 1-2g daily have observed improved sleep quality in healthy participants , 35 and enhanced sleep maintenance with reduced restlessness in patients experiencing nervous tension . 36 The European Medicines Agency also recognises California poppy extracts to aid sleep based on its long-standing traditional use . 12 Alongside valerian , California poppy ( 320mg ) improved sleep quality and quantity , decreased daytime impairments , and reduced anxiety scores in patients with acute insomnia . 37
Pain Given that brain structures associated with sleep maintenance are also involved in pain modulation , a neuro-biological substrate may explain this bi-directional relationship . 38 California poppy may be an ideal option for managing pain and co-existing insomnia owing to its analgesic and sedative properties . In an open-label trial , a standardised California poppy extract for one month ( 3g once or twice daily ) effectively managed chronic pain and pain-related insomnia in 20 adults . 12
Clinical summary
Anxiety , sleep disturbances , and pain represent a dynamic triad of negatively reinforcing pathologies that must be adequately addressed if the patient is to be restored to optimal functionality . Given their anxiolytic , sedative , and analgesic activity , combining kava , passionflower , and California poppy may be an effective treatment option for managing these disorders .
Full reference list available on request .
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