Sesbania grandiflora, also known as agati or vegetable hummingbird, has a history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in South and Southeast Asia. In these traditions, parts of the plant—especially the leaves and flowers—are sometimes used for their calming and sedative properties, including applications for sleep problems like insomnia. However, the documentation of its use specifically for insomnia is relatively sparse compared to its use for other ailments (such as digestive issues, fever, or inflammation).

From a scientific perspective, there are only a few preliminary studies exploring the central nervous system effects of Sesbania grandiflora. Some animal studies have indicated mild sedative or anxiolytic effects of plant extracts, but these are not robust or numerous enough to substantiate its efficacy in treating insomnia in humans. There are no high-quality clinical trials validating its use for sleep disorders. Thus, while there is some traditional use and a small amount of preclinical research suggesting possible sedative effects, the overall level of evidence is weak.

In summary, while Sesbania grandiflora is used in traditional medicine for calming purposes and occasionally for sleep, its use for insomnia is not strongly supported by scientific research, and the traditional evidence itself is not particularly robust or well-documented.