Abstract:

Sleep rhythm is regulated by the central nervous system. A good night’s sleep is essential for maintaining
physical and mental health. Hypnotic drugs can improve the quality of sleep; however, because of possible safety problems,
their applications are restricted. Alternative methods are required, especially for treating mild somnipathy. Some foods and
medicinal plants used in the daily diet can regulate the central nervous system and improve sleep quality. Thus, functional
foods can be a safe alternative method to apply in somnipathy. In this review, in order to provide scientific evidence for
the food industry to develop functional foods for reducing sleep disturbance, food and food additives which meet the
requirements of laws and regulations in China are investigated. This paper starts with a review of the neurobiological
mechanisms of sleep and subsequently describes the clinical and preclinical evidence for foods, nutrients and medicinal
plants used for improving sleep quality and quantity. Based on data from modern pharmacological studies, active
components and their mechanisms of improving sleep quality and quantity are also summarized. Meanwhile, strict clinical
trials of standard preparations are needed in the future, and safety assessments are also required.

Key words: food, sleep, sedative and hypnotic effects, nutrient, medicinal plant, neurotransmitter, preclinical, clinical