Abstract
Background: We investigated the influence of a botanical agent to improve sleep quality and associated measures in men and women with self-reported difficulty sleeping. Methods: 32 individuals were randomly assigned in double blind manner to ingest a botanical agent (CLOCK?, containing Rosemary [Rosmarinus officinalis] and Daylily [Hemerocallis fulva]) or a placebo over a 6-week intervention. During weeks 1 and 2, subjects ingested one serving of the assigned condition, followed by a two-week washout. During weeks 5 and 6, subjects ingested two servings of the condition. The Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire was used as an outcome measure, as were subjective measures of sleep quality, energy level, and mood. Blood samples collected pre- and post-intervention were assayed for acetylcholine (ACH), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), irisin, and melatonin. Results: No differences were noted between conditions in measures of sleep (p > 0.05). While no differences of statistical significance were noted in subjective feelings, during weeks 5 and 6 as compared to baseline, subjects assigned to the supplement noted an 8% increase in attentiveness, an 11% increase in alertness, a 12% increase in focus, a 14% increase in feeling energetic, a 12% increase in enthusiasm, a 23% increase in feeling well rested, an 11% decrease in feeling sluggish, and a 16% decrease in feeling depressed, without the same improvement observed for subjects in the placebo group. All biochemical measures were increased from pre- to post-treatment with two servings of the supplement; the largest percent increase noted for BDNF (27%) and the largest effect size noted for irisin (d = 1.36). Biochemical values for the placebo condition were unchanged. Conclusions: CLOCK? may have an impact on certain measurements of mood, with a significant impact on the biochemical marker, BDNF. Future studies using a larger sample size and perhaps a cross-over design may help to further clarify the impact of this dietary supplement on aspects of sleep quality, mood, and other related variables.
Highlights
Impaired sleep quality is common among adults with an estimated 50 - 70 million Americans alone claiming poor quality of sleep [1], many of whom use prescription sleep aids [2]
All biochemical measures were increased from pre- to post-treatment with two servings of the supplement; the largest percent increase noted for brainderived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (27%) and the largest effect size noted for irisin (d = 1.36)
No findings of statistical significant were noted for sleep quality and no condition x time interaction effects were noted for any outcome measure, certain subjective measures appeared to be improved for subjects assigned to the supplement condition—in particular while ingesting two capsules per day
Summary
Impaired sleep quality is common among adults with an estimated 50 - 70 million Americans alone claiming poor quality of sleep [1], many of whom use prescription sleep aids [2]. A careful review of the literature indicates that certain botanical agents may have promise for improving sleep quality and related health-specific variables. Both Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and Daylily (Hemerocallis fulva) have been reported to offer benefits. Methods: 32 individuals were randomly assigned in double blind manner to ingest a botanical agent (CLOCK®, containing Rosemary [Rosmarinus officinalis] and Daylily [Hemerocallis fulva]) or a placebo over a 6-week intervention. All biochemical measures were increased from pre- to post-treatment with two servings of the supplement; the largest percent increase noted for BDNF (27%) and the largest effect size noted for irisin (d = 1.36). Conclusions: CLOCK® may have an impact on certain measurements of
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