Authors:
Alyssa Korman, PharmD
Nicole Slater, PharmD, BCACP

Reviewers:
Michelle Balli, PharmD, BCACP
Joseph Nardolillo, PharmD, BCACP

Pachikian BD, Copine S, Suchareau M, Deldicque L. Effects of Saffron Extract on Sleep Quality: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2021;13(5):1473.

The Problem

Have you ever had trouble sleeping for an extended period of time?  If so, you likely know first-hand how a lack of high-quality sleep can adversely affect you physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Every day, millions suffer from poor sleep that disrupts their lives, and long-term sleep disorders can cause attention deficits, mood disorders, anxiety, and depression.¹ Several treatment options that aid the initiation and maintenance of sleep, such as benzodiazepines or other prescription sedatives (e.g., antidepressants, atypical antipsychotics), have undesirable side effects and may cause tolerance and/or dependency. These medications have also been associated with increased morbidity and mortality when used long-term.²  Thus, a natural product that has been documented to improve sleep with minimal adverse events may be a better choice.