Abstract
A saffron extract has been found to be effective in the context of depression and anxiety, but its effect on sleep quality has not been investigating yet using objective approaches. For this purpose, a randomized double-blind controlled study was conducted in subjects presenting mild to moderate sleep disorder associated with anxiety. Sixty-six subjects were randomized and supplemented with a placebo (maltodextrin) or a saffron extract (15.5 mg per day) for 6 weeks. Actigraphy was used to collect objective data related to sleep quality at baseline, at the middle and at the end of the intervention. Sleep quality was also assessed by completion of the LSEQ and PSQI questionnaires and quality of life by completion of the SF-36 questionnaire. Six weeks of saffron supplementation led to an increased time in bed assessed by actigraphy, to an improved ease of getting to sleep evaluated by the LSEQ questionnaire and to an improved sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, and global scores evaluated by the PSQI questionnaire, whereas those parameters were not modified by the placebo. In conclusion, those results suggest that a saffron extract could be a natural and safe nutritional strategy to improve sleep duration and quality.
Highlights
Insomnia and sleep disorders are major concerns around the world, principally in western societies
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a standardized saffron extract (15.5 mg per day for 6 weeks) on sleep quality of subjects presenting mild to moderate sleep troubles associated to anxiety
We observed that 6 weeks of saffron extract supplementation led to an improvement of several parameters related to sleep quality: TIB evaluated by actigraphy, the ease of getting to sleep evaluated by the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire (LSEQ) questionnaire, the sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, and global scores evaluated by the PSQI questionnaire
Summary
Insomnia and sleep disorders are major concerns around the world, principally in western societies. A general overactivity of the arousal, emotion regulating, and cognitive systems probably lead to the pathophysiology of insomnia [4]. To treat this disease, efficient drugs exist, like benzodiazepine or benzodiazepine-receptor agonists, but the use of those sleeping pills is restricted by their tolerance and an elevated risk of dependency, morbidity, and mortality with long-term use [4]. Efficient drugs exist, like benzodiazepine or benzodiazepine-receptor agonists, but the use of those sleeping pills is restricted by their tolerance and an elevated risk of dependency, morbidity, and mortality with long-term use [4] In this context, the search for safe and efficient compounds without adverse effects is essential
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