Two recent studies have shown evidence that saffron extract is beneficial for sleep. Let’s take a closer look at these two studies.
Study 1 – Lopresti et al J Clin Sleep Med 2020
63 healthy adults ages 18-70 with self reported sleep problems were recruited and randomized to receive saffron extract (affron 14 mg twice daily) or placebo. Outcome measures were the insomnia severity index (ISI) at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days, the restorative sleep questionnaire (RSQ) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Diary (PSD) on days -1, 0, 3, 7, 14, 27, and 28.
Saffron was associated with a greater improvement in ISI score, RSQ score, and PSD quality ratings compared to placebo.
Saffron was well tolerated with no adverse side effects.
Study 2 – Pachikian et al 2021 in Nutrients
Randomized doubled blinded controlled study in 66 subjects with mild to moderate sleep troubles associated with anxiety. Age range was 25-70 years old. Subjects were assigned a maltodextrin placebo pill or saffron extract 15.5 mg per day. Actimetry data and questionaries collected to the beginning, middle and end of the six weeks.
Results shows six weeks of saffron extract supplementation led to improvement in time in bed (TIB), LSEQ (Leeds Sleep Evaluation Q), sleep latency, sleep duration, and global scores as measured by PSQI. Improved bodily pain score, physical global score, and emotional limitation scores were also observed.
Have you ever taken an herbal remedy for sleep?