Conclusion
The relationship between chamomile intake and sleep quality shows mixed results across studies. Small clinical trials report improved sleep quality, while systematic reviews and pooled analyses do not find a consistent effect.
At this point, it is difficult to either strongly support or rule out an effect.
How much does it help?
Small randomized controlled trials report improved self-reported sleep quality scores in groups taking chamomile extract. A similar pattern appears in trials involving adults with chronic insomnia complaints.
Broader reviews pooling studies on anxiety and sleep quality, however, find a small effect size with considerable variation between trials, which prevents a clear conclusion.
What the research shows
The evidence base includes a meta-analysis evaluating chamomile's effect on anxiety and sleep quality, along with small randomized controlled trials in adults with chronic insomnia. Chamomile extract concentration and duration of use vary across trials, which is considered one source of the inconsistent results.
Large trials with long follow-up remain limited, and further research is needed.
Cautions
- Trial sizes are small, and confirmation in larger studies is needed
- People with an allergy to plants in the daisy family, such as ragweed or chrysanthemum, need to be cautious before use
- People taking anticoagulant medication should consult a physician before use