Insomnia is a very common event among the population, and among those who suffer from this pathology we have people who have difficulty falling asleep and people who have difficulty maintaining nighttime rest. This symptom involves insufficient sleep or inadequate quality. Insomnia is generally a temporary disorder and linked to a psychophysical discomfort, it can affect anyone and has a variable duration. We can divide it into different types: – sporadic episodes, due to temporary states of anxiety; – chronic episodes, which become disabling over time because they negatively affect the psychophysical well-being and quality of life of the person who suffers from it. But when can it manifest itself? – in childhood: they are sleep disorders linked to difficulty falling asleep; – in adolescence: it manifests itself following hormonal changes; – in adults: it arises due to worries and nervous tension; – in the elderly: it is linked to neurological and emotional alterations; It is differentiated into: – primary, not linked to any event; – secondary, linked to a psychophysical alteration. Those who suffer from it develop frequent awakenings that can be traced back to the onset of cardiovascular diseases and alteration of the metabolism of macronutrients (especially carbohydrates) and lowering of the immune defenses. Other effects of insomnia are palpitations, anxiety, abdominal pain and osteoarticular pain upon waking. A useful aid to reduce these episodes can be the intake of phytotherapeutic products. Valerian , for example, is a medicinal herb that can be used against insomnia : the ancient Romans already made extensive use of it and it is also useful for fighting nervousness and anxiety . Its effects on the body are linked to a mix of compounds that act as natural sedatives (flavonoids, alkaloids and essential oils). Valeriana Officinalis is commonly used for its sedative action against anxiety and sleep disturbances : in fact, it contains hypnotic substances that promote night-time rest and relaxing substances that act on reducing the time it takes to fall asleep and improving rest. The second herb useful in case of anxiety and to prevent insomnia is Hawthorn , also rich in antioxidant substances and promotes the regular functionality of the cardiovascular system. Thanks to the action of tannins, it promotes a relaxing effect increasing the feeling of well-being.