EFFECT OF BAY LEAF ON QUALITY OF SLEEP IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY INSOMNIA: A RANDOMIZED CONTROL STUDY.

Primary insomnia is a type of sleep disturbance characterized by a subjective complaint of difficulty falling or staying asleep, or of having an unrefreshing sensation when sleeping, that not attributable to a coexisting mental or physiological condition. About 30% of the general population suffers from insomnia. The perennial shrub known as bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) is a member of the Laurel family. A study discovered that the chemical linalool, found in bay leaves, lengthened people’s sleep duration. The drop in blood cortisol levels in healthy volunteers drinking Laurus nobilis tea, suggesting a potential benefit in lowering the risk of stress-related disorders. Criteria for Diagnosis: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) will be applied during screening. Bay leaf decoction – 3 grams (1 teaspoon) of bay leaf powder is added to 100ml of water and bought to a boil and is given to the subject to sip it warm. The data from insomnia severity index( ISI) and serum cortisol levels will be collected at baseline and post intervention [post 90 Days]. The aim is to study the effect of bay leaf decoction on quality of sleep in patients with primary insomnia.