Effect of Chamomile Extract on Sleep Quality and Depression in Postmenopausal Women: A Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Abstract

Aim: The sleep disorder and depression are the most common problems of menopausal women. There have also a great tendency to consume herbal supplements because of their low side effects and their low cost. This study investigates the effect of chamomile extract on improving sleep quality and reducing depression. Method: This double-blind clinical trial was about 110 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 60 with sleep disorders and depressive symptoms. Postmenopausal women made up randomly two experimental (n=55) and placebo (n=55) groups. The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) measured Depression and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) as the sleep quality. The data analysis occurs through repeated measure with three times: pre-test, post-test and followup. Results: As the findings show, there is a significant difference between pre-test and post-test scores of sleep and depression of postmenopausal women (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found between pre-test and post-test (p > 0.05). The observed F of the interactive effect between time and group was 4.594 (p < 0.05) for sleep disorder and 6.743 (p < 0.05) for depression. Conclusion: Chamomile extract can be effective in improving sleep and reducing depression in postmenopausal women. However, this effect may decrease over time and with discontinuation of the drug.