HERBAL SEDATIVES AND HYPNOTICS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THEIR USE IN THE WESTERN REGION OF NORTH MACEDONIA

This study aims to analyze the use of herbal sedatives in North Macedonia, comparing their usage to conventional sedatives and hypnotics. The analysis examines sales data of herbal and conventional sedatives from January 2022 to December 2024, collected from pharmacies in the western region of North Macedonia. The findings reveal that the use of herbal sedatives is relatively low, ranging from 1.2% in Tetovo to 7% in Struga, although there is an increase in demand in certain cities. Despite this growth, the overall use of herbal sedatives remains limited. Furthermore, the study underscores the need for developing healthcare policies that integrate herbal sedatives into the healthcare system. This can be achieved through the creation of educational programs, training for healthcare professionals, and the establishment of guidelines for the safe and effective use of these medicines. Such integration could lead to an increase in the use of herbal sedatives and improve public health by providing new treatment options for sleep and anxiety disorders.