HERBS AS A LIFELINE IN STRESS MANAGEMENT AND INSOMNIA

Stress and insomnia are among the most prevalent lifestyle disorders globally which affects mental and physical well-being chronic stress and insomnia are strongly linked to depression, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and weakened immune function. The growing incidence highlights an urgent need for safe, effective, and holistic treatment strategies such as herbal interventions to manage these interrelated conditions. Conventional therapies often provide temporary relief but may cause dependency and side effects. Herbal medicines offer a safer, natural, and holistic approach to managing these conditions. This review highlights globally recognized herbs used in stress and insomnia management across traditional systems such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Western herbalism. Adaptogenic herbs like Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Panax ginseng, and Ocimum sanctum help regulate the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and reduce cortisol levels. Sedative herbs including Valeriana officinalis (Valerian), Matricaria chamomilla (Chamomile), and Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) promote relaxation through GABAergic and serotonergic modulation. These herbs also exhibit antioxidant and neuroprotective actions that enhance mental resilience and sleep quality. Thus, herbal remedies worldwide act as a lifeline in stress and insomnia management, offering a safe and sustainable alternative to synthetic drugs.