Saffron Extract May Be Used to Improve Sleep Quality and Duration

Sleep disorders, particularly insomnia, are prevalent concerns that can significantly impact daily life, leading to fatigue, attention deficits, mood instability, anxiety, and depression. Besides saffron's potential benefits in addressing depression and anxiety, preliminary research suggests that the herb may also be useful for those struggling with sleep problems.¹ In this trial, researchers further explored the impact of saffron extract on sleep disorders associated with anxiety. 

The Study

This randomized clinical trial involved 66 participants with mild to moderate chronic sleep disorders associated with anxiety. They were supplemented with either a placebo (maltodextrin) or a saffron extract (15.5 mg per day) over a period of six weeks.

Participants' sleep quality was measured using actigraphy, a tool that is used to monitor people's rest and sleep cycles. Using various assessment tools, researchers measured the effects of saffron on other sleep parameters as well as the quality of life. 

The Results

Six weeks of saffron supplementation led to a significant increase in time spent in bed, a substantially improved ease of getting to sleep, and important enhancements in sleep quality, latency, and duration. These improvements were not observed in the placebo group.

Additionally, the saffron supplementation group experienced noteworthy improvements in the global physical score, primarily due to an enhancement of the bodily pain score and a trend towards an increase in physical functioning and general health scores.

What Does this Mean?

These findings offer evidence of the benefits of saffron for sleep enhancement. By improving sleep quality and duration, it is a promising natural remedy for those seeking to improve their sleep patterns and tackle sleep-related challenges.

The research highlights how using saffron extract for sleep not only improves various aspects of sleep quality but also contributes to an overall better physical health score. This suggests that incorporating saffron extract into one's diet could be an effective natural strategy for boosting sleep quality and, consequently, enhancing life quality.

Other herbs for sleep include valerian, chamomile, hops, and lavender.