Effects of saffron on sleep quality in healthy adults with self-reported poor sleep: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Metse AP, Drummond PD · Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine · 2020 June 15

Objective

To investigate the sleep-enhancing effects of a standardized saffron extract (affron) in healthy adults with self-reported sleep problems.

Conclusions

Saffron intake was associated with improvements in sleep quality in adults with self-reported sleep complaints.

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Insights

The use of standardized saffron extract appears to show significant improvement in sleep quality in healthy adults with self-reported sleep issues.

The study employed a 28-day, double-blind, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of a standardized saffron extract on sleep quality in adults with self-reported sleep issues. Total of 63 healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 70 were recruited and randomly assigned to receive either the saffron extract, taken twice daily at a dose of 14mg, or a placebo. From a pool of 55 participants, it was found that those who consumed saffron showed noteworthy enhancements in sleep quality. The improvements were measured by an Insomnia Severity Index, a Restorative Sleep Questionnaire, and a Pittsburgh Sleep Diary. Notably, the intake of saffron was well tolerated and did not result in any reported adverse effects.