# Integrative therapies for chronic insomnia: A randomized controlled trial of a traditional Thai Herbal Remedy and Cannabis sativa oil

## TL;DR

This study found that traditional Thai herbal remedy and cannabis oil are as effective as lorazepam for treating chronic insomnia, with better quality of life outcomes and mild side effects.

## Contribution

Demonstrates the efficacy of traditional and cannabis-based therapies as non-benzodiazepine alternatives for chronic insomnia.

## Key findings

- Suk-Sai-Yat and Cannabis sativa oil improved sleep quality as effectively as lorazepam.
- Quality of life improved more with Suk-Sai-Yat and cannabis oil than with lorazepam.
- Only mild adverse events were reported across all treatment groups.

## Abstract

This study compared the efficacy and safety of integrative and conventional therapies for chronic insomnia.

To evaluate the effects of the Suk-Sai-Yat traditional Thai herbal remedy, Cannabis sativa oil (Deja formula) and lorazepam on sleep quality and quality of life in patients with chronic insomnia.

In a randomized controlled parallel-group trial, 60 adults with chronic insomnia received Suk-Sai-Yat, Cannabis sativa oil, or lorazepam for four weeks. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh leep Quality Index (PSQI) and quality of life was evaluated using EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS. Safety was monitored throughout the study.

After four weeks, PSQI scores significantly improved in all groups: Suk-Sai-Yat (12.3–6.6), Cannabis sativa oil (13.6–3.68) and lorazepam (14.4–5.8) (all p < 0.001), with no significant differences between groups. Quality-of-life scores improved significantly in the integrative therapy groups. Only mild adverse events were reported.

Suk-Sai-Yat and Cannabis sativa oil demonstrated comparable efficacy to lorazepam with favorable safety profiles, supporting their role as integrative, non-benzodiazepine options for chronic insomnia management.

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•Suk-Sai-Yat and Cannabis sativa oil significantly improved chronic insomnia symptoms•Herbal and cannabis treatments showed efficacy comparable to lorazepam in an RCT•Quality of life improved more with Suk-Sai-Yat and cannabis oil than lorazepam•Only mild adverse events were observed across all treatment groups•Supports traditional herbal and cannabinoid therapies as safe insomnia alternatives

Suk-Sai-Yat and Cannabis sativa oil significantly improved chronic insomnia symptoms

Herbal and cannabis treatments showed efficacy comparable to lorazepam in an RCT

Quality of life improved more with Suk-Sai-Yat and cannabis oil than lorazepam

Only mild adverse events were observed across all treatment groups

Supports traditional herbal and cannabinoid therapies as safe insomnia alternatives