A new randomized clinical trial published in Sleep Medicine: X finds that both a traditional Thai herbal remedy and cannabis sativa oil were just as effective as lorazepam in improving sleep quality among adults with chronic insomnia, while also delivering greater gains in overall quality of life.
The study was conducted by researchers from Rajamangala University of Technology Isan Sakon Nakhon Campus and involved 60 adults ages 40 to 70 diagnosed with chronic insomnia. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the Suk-Sai-Yat traditional Thai herbal remedy, cannabis sativa oil known as the Deja formula, or the prescription sleep medication lorazepam for four weeks.
Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. All three groups saw significant improvements by the end of the study period. Average PSQI scores fell from 12.3 to 6.6 in the Suk-Sai-Yat group, from 13.6 to 5.1 in the cannabis oil group, and from 14.4 to 5.8 among those taking lorazepam. Researchers found no statistically significant differences between the three treatments, indicating comparable effectiveness.
While sleep outcomes were similar, quality-of-life measures favored the integrative therapies. Participants using the herbal remedy or cannabis oil experienced larger improvements on both the EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS scales than those receiving lorazepam, suggesting broader benefits beyond sleep alone.
Adverse effects were mild across all groups. A small number of participants using the herbal remedy reported palpitations or muscle pain, while one participant using cannabis oil experienced headache, dizziness, and nausea. No serious adverse events were reported.
Researchers concluded that both Suk-Sai-Yat and cannabis sativa oil offer effective, well-tolerated, non-benzodiazepine alternatives for managing chronic insomnia, particularly for patients seeking integrative or traditional treatment options.
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