Sleep quality in pregnancy during treatment with Bryophyllum pinnatum: An observational study

Poor sleep quality in pregnancy is frequent. A treatment with sedatives is problematic due to possible adverse effects for mother and embryo/foetus. In the present study, we investigated the sedative effect of Bryophyllum pinnatum, a phytotherapeutic medication used in anthroposophic medicine. In pr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Phytomedicine (Stuttgart) 2014-04, Vol.21 (5), p.753-757
Main Authors: Lambrigger-Steiner, C., Simões-Wüst, A.P., Kuck, A., Fürer, K., Hamburger, M., von Mandach, U.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Anthroposophy
Bryophyllum pinnatum
Care and treatment
Fatigue - drug therapy
Female
Health aspects
Humans
Kalanchoe
Materia medica, Vegetable
Medical research
Medicinal plants
Medicine, Experimental
Middle Aged
Physiological aspects
Phytotherapy
Plant extracts
Plant Preparations - therapeutic use
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications - drug therapy
Pregnant women
Prospective Studies
Sleep
Sleep disorders
Sleep problems
Sleep quality
Sleep Wake Disorders - drug therapy
Young Adult
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Summary:Poor sleep quality in pregnancy is frequent. A treatment with sedatives is problematic due to possible adverse effects for mother and embryo/foetus. In the present study, we investigated the sedative effect of Bryophyllum pinnatum, a phytotherapeutic medication used in anthroposophic medicine. In previous clinical studies on its tocolytic effect, B. pinnatum showed a good risk/benefit ratio for mother and child. A recent analysis of the prescribing pattern for B. pinnatum in a network of anthroposophic physicians revealed sleep disorders as one of the most frequent diagnoses for which these preparations are prescribed. In this prospective, multi-centre, observational study, pregnant women suffering from sleep problems were treated with B. pinnatum (350mg tablets, 50% leaf press juice, Weleda AG, Arlesheim, dosage at physician's consideration). Sleep quality, daily sleepiness and fatigue were assessed with the aid of standardised questionnaires, at the beginning of the treatment and after 2 weeks. Possible adverse drug reactions perceived by the patients during the treatment were recorded. The number of wake-ups, as well as the subjective quality of sleep was significantly improved at the end of the treatment with B. pinnatum. The Epworth Sleeping Scale decreased, indicating a decrease of the tiredness during the day. There was, however, no evidence for prolongation of the sleep duration, reduction in the time to fall asleep, as well as change in the Fatigue Severity Scale after B. pinnatum. No serious adverse drug reactions were detected. B. pinnatum is a suitable treatment of sleep problems in pregnancy. The data of this study encourage further clinical investigations on the use of B. pinnatum in sleep disorders.
ISSN:0944-7113
1618-095X
DOI:10.1016/j.phymed.2013.11.003