SLEEP MODULATION AND NEUROPROTECTION THROUGH THE PRISM OF HERBAL PLANTS

Sleep disorders, such as insomnia, excessive sleepiness, alterations in NREM/REM cycles and breathing problems during sleep affect a large proportion of the population worldwide and contribute to cognitive and emotional disorders. Due to the adverse effects and risk of addiction of synthetic hypnotics, medicinal plants (valerian, passionflower, lemon balm, lavender, etc.) are established as a safe and effective alternative. Studies show that herbal extracts modulate sleep architecture and support neurological function through various pathways of interaction. Among their effects are also facilitated falling asleep and maintaining normal sleep structure, providing neuroprotection by redox regulation, anti-inflammatory and anti-amyloidogenic properties, improvement of cerebral perfusion and stimulation the drainage of waste metabolites, the accumulation of which is associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases. This review focuses on: the endogenous processes by which herbs modulate sleep; their neuroprotective properties; their role in metabolic clearance and the synergistic effect of combined herbal formulas.