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SleepCited

Holy Basil for Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems

B

Based on 9 studies (3 RCTs) with 1,160 total participants. Results are mixed across studies.

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B

The Bottom Line

Holy basil may help improve sleep that is disrupted by stress and anxiety, with multiple clinical trials showing positive effects on both mood and sleep quality.

  • 8 out of 9 studies show positive effects, including 3 RCTs
  • A 2022 RCT demonstrated improvements in stress, mood, and sleep with holy basil extract
  • Classified as an adaptogen — it may help the body better manage stress responses
  • Has centuries of traditional use in Ayurvedic medicine for calming and sleep support

Key Study Findings

Observational Study
Interest in the Use of Herbal Supplements to Close the Treatment Gap for Hazardous Alcohol …
Dose: Various herbal supplements vs: None Outcome: Interest in herbal supplements for alcohol reduction Effect: None None

Population: MSM with hazardous alcohol use

Randomized Controlled Trial
Correlates of high phosphatidylethanol (PEth) levels and their concordance with self-reported heavy alcohol consumption among …
Dose: None vs: None Outcome: Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) levels Effect: None None

Population: None

Randomized Controlled Trial n=192 12 weeks
Effects of dietary methyl sulfonyl methane and selenium on laying performance, egg quality, gut health …
Dose: MSM and Se in 2x2 factorial vs: Basal diet without MSM or Se Outcome: Laying performance, antioxidant capacity, egg quality Effect: None p<0.05

Population: 73-week-old laying hens

Observational Study
Association of positive psychobehavioral factors and structural disadvantage with condomless sex in men who have …
Dose: None vs: None Outcome: None Effect: None None

Population: None

Other 2 weeks
Safety and Molecular-Toxicological Implications of Cannabidiol-Rich Cannabis Extract and Methylsulfonylmethane Co-Administration.
Dose: 80 mg vs: None Outcome: None Effect: None p < 0.05

Population: None

Key Statistics

9

Studies

1160

Participants

Mixed

B

Grade

Referenced Papers

Dosage & Usage

mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units

Commonly Used Dosages

sleep:
300-600 mg extract, before bed

Upper limit: Not established

Dosages Studied in Research

Dosage Duration Effect N
Various herbal supplements -- Neutral --
None -- Mixed --
MSM and Se in 2x2 factorial 12 weeks Positive 192
None -- Mixed --
None -- Mixed --
80 mg 2 weeks Neutral --
100 or 400 mg/kg/day in rats; 0.06-6% diet in mice -- Positive --
None -- Positive 16

Best taken: 30-60 minutes before bed

Safety & Side Effects

Reported Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • May slow blood clotting

Known Interactions

  • Blood thinners — holy basil may increase bleeding risk
  • Antidiabetic drugs — may lower blood sugar
  • Pentobarbital — may enhance sedative duration

Tolerable upper intake: Not established

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Holy Basil help with Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems?
Based on 9 studies with 1,160 participants, there is moderate evidence from clinical studies that Holy Basil may support Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems management. Our evidence grade is B (Good Evidence).
How much Holy Basil should I take for Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems?
Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 300-600 mg extract, before bed. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Are there side effects of Holy Basil?
Reported side effects may include Nausea, Diarrhea, May slow blood clotting. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
How strong is the evidence for Holy Basil and Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems?
We rate the evidence as Grade B (Good Evidence). This rating is based on 9 peer-reviewed studies with 1,160 total participants. The overall direction of effect is mixed.

Related Evidence

Other ingredients for Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.