A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality
Key Finding
Passionflower tea significantly improved sleep quality compared to placebo over one week in healthy adults.
Plain-English Summary
This double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined passionflower herbal tea on sleep quality in 41 healthy adults over one week. Participants consumed one cup of passionflower tea or placebo tea daily before bed and completed sleep diaries.
Those drinking passionflower tea showed significantly better sleep quality on validated sleep diary measures compared to placebo. Improvements were observed in sleep efficiency and overall restfulness.
Passionflower contains chrysin and other flavonoids that modulate GABA-A receptors, promoting relaxation without sedation. The herb has been used traditionally as a mild anxiolytic and sleep aid. Unlike stronger sedatives, passionflower does not produce morning grogginess or impair cognitive function the next day. This study supports its traditional use as a gentle sleep-promoting botanical.