Discussion Question 1 Many patients ask for nonprescription medications to use for various health problems, such as insomnia, depression, pain, memory, and anxiety. Select one patient complaint (for example, insomnia) and review the major herbs that have been recommended for treatment. Go to the Online Library and locate at least one peer-reviewed research article designed to study the effects of one of these substances. Describe the study and results and explain how this would influence your action as an APN.
Insomnia is a common complaint among patients seeking nonprescription medications for their health issues. As an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the major herbs recommended for the treatment of insomnia, as well as the evidence supporting their efficacy. This knowledge is essential to provide safe and effective care to patients. In this discussion, I will review the major herbs recommended for insomnia and discuss a peer-reviewed research article that examines the effects of one of these herbs.
One of the major herbs commonly recommended for the treatment of insomnia is valerian root. Valerian root has a long history of use as a sleep aid and has gained popularity among individuals seeking nonpharmacological interventions for sleep disturbances. Valerian root is believed to have sedative and anxiolytic properties, making it a potentially effective treatment option for insomnia.
To explore the effects of valerian root on insomnia, I conducted a search in the Online Library and found a relevant peer-reviewed research article titled “The effects of valerian supplementation on sleep quality and insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis” by Fernández-Peña et al. (2020). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of valerian supplementation on sleep quality and insomnia in adults.
The study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of valerian supplementation compared to a control group or placebo on sleep quality and insomnia. The researchers identified relevant studies from multiple electronic databases and included studies that met their predetermined criteria. They assessed the quality of included studies using the Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias tool and performed statistical analyses to compile the results.
The findings of the systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that valerian supplementation was associated with improved sleep quality and reduced insomnia symptoms compared to the control group or placebo. The researchers observed a significant improvement in subjective sleep quality, sleep latency (time taken to fall asleep), and sleep duration in the valerian group. Additionally, valerian supplementation was found to be well-tolerated with minimal side effects reported.
This research on valerian supplementation and its effects on sleep quality and insomnia has important implications for my practice as an APN. Firstly, it provides evidence to support the use of valerian root as a nonprescription intervention for individuals experiencing insomnia. I can incorporate this information into my clinical practice by recommending valerian root to patients seeking nonpharmacological treatment options for sleep disturbances.
However, it is important to note that while this study demonstrates promising results, further research is needed to establish the optimal dosage and duration of valerian supplementation, as well as its potential interactions with other medications. As an APN, I would consider all relevant factors, such as the patient’s medical history, current medication regimen, and individual preferences, before recommending valerian root or any other nonprescription treatment.
In conclusion, the systematic review and meta-analysis on valerian supplementation for sleep quality and insomnia provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of this herb. The study demonstrates that valerian supplementation is associated with improved sleep quality and reduced insomnia symptoms. As an APN, this information influences my practice by supporting the use of valerian root as a nonprescription intervention for insomnia. However, it is important to consider individual patient factors and further research to optimize the use of valerian supplementation.