The Potential Role of Selected Nutraceuticals (Melatonin, Isoflavones, Vitamin E, Valeriana Officinalis, Withania somnifera) in Mitigating Sleep Disturbances Among Menopausal Women: A Literature Review

Abstract— Sleep disturbances represent one of the most common complaints among menopausal women, affecting up to 60% of this population. They arise from a complex interplay of declining ovarian function, reduced estrogen and progesterone levels, dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, and vasomotor symptoms such as hot flushes. Conventional management strategies include cognitive behavioural therapy and hormone replacement therapy; however, concerns regarding safety, particularly in women with elevated cardiovascular or thromboembolic risk, have prompted increasing interest in non-hormonal alternatives. This narrative review evaluates the potential role of selected nutraceuticals—melatonin, isoflavones, vitamin E, Valeriana officinalis, and Withania somnifera—in alleviating sleep disturbances among menopausal women. Evidence suggests that melatonin supplementation may improve sleep onset and maintenance, although dosing requires personalization due to pharmacokinetic variability. Isoflavones, through estrogen-receptor modulation, reduce vasomotor symptoms and indirectly enhance sleep quality. Vitamin E demonstrates antioxidant and vasomotor-stabilizing properties, yet data remain inconsistent. Valeriana officinalis shows direct sedative effects mediated via GABAergic and serotonergic pathways, with clinical studies confirming its efficacy. Withania somnifera exhibits anxiolytic and neuroregulatory actions, partly through modulation of the HPA axis and cortisol reduction, representing a promising but still underexplored intervention. Current evidence supports the potential of these nutraceuticals as adjunctive therapies; however, heterogeneity of study designs, dosing regimens, and methodological limitations preclude definitive recommendations. High-quality randomized controlled trials are essential to establish safety, efficacy, and clinical applicability.