Palmitoylethanolamide for sleep disturbance. A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled interventional study

Amanda Rao,Phillippa Ebelt,David Briskey,Alistair Mallard

doi:10.1186/s41606-021-00065-3

Amanda Rao, Phillippa Ebelt + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s41606-021-00065-3

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Abstract

BackgroundSleep is essential for wellbeing, yet sleep disturbance is a common problem linked to a wide range of health conditions. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endogenous fatty acid amide proposed to promote better sleep via potential interaction with the endocannabinoid system.MethodsThis double-blind, randomised study on 103 adults compared the efficacy and tolerability of 8 weeks of daily supplemented PEA formulation (350 mg Levagen + ®) to a placebo. Sleep quality and quantity were measured using wrist actigraphy, a sleep diary and questionnaires.ResultsAt week 8, PEA supplementation reduced sleep onset latency, time to feel completely awake and improved cognition on waking. After 8 weeks, both groups improved their sleep quality and quantity scores similarly. There was no difference between groups at baseline or week 8 for sleep quantity or quality as measured from actigraphy or sleep diaries.ConclusionThese findings support PEA as a potential sleeping aid capable of reducing sleep onset time and improving cognition on waking.Trial registrationAustralianNew Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618001339246. Registered 9thAugust 2018.

Highlights

Sleep is essential for mental and physical wellbeing (Chattu et al 2018; Medic et al 2017)
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of PEA supplementation on sleep quality and quantity in healthy adults with sleep pattern disturbance
It was hypothesised that PEA supplementation one hour prior to sleep would improve sleep quality, quantity and onset

Summary

Introduction

Sleep is essential for mental and physical wellbeing (Chattu et al 2018; Medic et al 2017). Poor sleep quality has been shown to increase inflammatory mediators, potentially inducing the adverse physical and cognitive symptoms of sleep loss (Irwin et al 2015, 2016; Krueger et al 2008; Mullington et al 2010). Poor sleep quality may increase inflammation through increased sympathoadrenal activity, decreased glucose tolerance and neuroendocrine changes (Irwin et al 2015; Krueger et al 2008; Mullington et al 2010). Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endogenous fatty acid amide proposed to promote better sleep via potential interaction with the endocannabinoid system

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