Abstract

Background: Sleep is a natural resting state of physiology where the functions of the body are restored. The brain functions in two cycles of sleep, REM (Rapid Eye Movement Sleep) and NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement Sleep). Sleep also restores the endocrine and immune systems of a healthy body. Sleep loss, or insomnia, is a prevalent disease affecting 33% of all age groups. The only treatment is based on interventions like benzodiazepines and barbiturate drugs, which show many side effects. The natural bioactive compounds available are the best alternative therapeutics to drugs without side effects; they can easily modulate metabolic processes, reducing inflammatory reactions, oxidative stress and immunomodulation, preventing many chronic and lifestyle diseases. Methods: A literature search was conducted on sleep disorders, bioactive natural compounds, GABA receptor antagonists, and restoration of sleep-related keywords in the PubMed database, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and two other clinical literature databases. The pharmacological and natural molecules were compared for their bioavailability and function. Results: Safe sleep aid therapeutics with minimal or no side effects may provide the latest line of future research in sleep disorders. These metabolites have precursor bioactive molecules such as polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and phytosterols, which participate in biochemical pathways to maintain different metabolic processes. The alternative ancient therapeutic needs to be studied and explored for its cellular protective role. Conclusion: The therapeutic benefits of natural compounds are gathered by the utilisation and availability of bioactive molecules. The review concludes natural bioactive compounds like ferulic acid, carotenoids, apigenin, phytosterols, PUFA, microalgal extract, melatonin and essential oils are beneficial for the treatment of insomnia, restoration of sleep and brain health.

Key words: Bioactive compounds, polyunsaturated fatty acids, pigments, sleep disorder, NREM cycle, stress