Efficacy of Homeopathic Higher Dilutions in management of Sleep Disorders: A Review

Abstract

Background: Sleep disorders, including insomnia, have diverse causes and can significantly impact physical and mental health. Homeopathy is explored as an alternative treatment for these disorders, but its efficacy remains uncertain. Aim/Objective: This study reviews clinical research on the efficacy of homeopathic higher dilutions remedies for sleep disorders. The goal is to provide insights into the progress in clinical and preclinical investigations on homeopathy for sleep disorders. Methodology: We conducted a comprehensive database search for original clinical studies on homeopathy and sleep disorders and its related terminology published until September 2023, applying exclusion criteria to select relevant studies. Results: We identified 11 studies meeting our criteria. These studies explored the use of homeopathic remedies for managing sleep disorders with the help of various assessment tools, like Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), STAI questionnaire, Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Sleep Diary (SD), Sleep Impairment Index (SII), Visual Analogic Scale (VAS), and Trait of Anxiety Scale (TAS). Findings included reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality with Passiflora Compose, potential benefits of individualized homeopathic treatment for insomnia, and positive outcomes in children and young adults with sleep issues. Homeopathy also showed potential effects on sleep patterns in a rat study. Conclusion: The reviewed studies suggest the potential benefits of homeopathic treatments for sleep-related conditions. Passiflora Compose, individualized homeopathic treatment, and homeopathic similimum demonstrated promise in improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety. More research and larger trials are needed for wider acceptance, but these findings highlight their value for diverse populations.