A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of a Polyphenol Botanical Blend on Sleep and Daytime Functioning

Andrew S Tubbs, Kathryn E R Kennedy, Pamela Alfonso-Miller, Chloe C A Wills, Michael A Grandner, Andrew S Tubbs, Kathryn E R Kennedy, Pamela Alfonso-Miller, Chloe C A Wills, Michael A Grandner

Abstract

Despite the high prevalence of subclinical sleep disturbances, existing treatments are either potent prescription medications or over-the-counter supplements with minimal scientific support and numerous side effects. However, preliminary evidence shows that polyphenols such as rosmarinic acid and epigallocatechin gallate can support healthy sleep without significant side effects. Therefore, the present study examined whether a polyphenol botanical blend (PBB) could improve sleep and/or daytime functioning in individuals with subclinical sleep disturbances. A total of 89 individuals completed a double-blind, randomized trial of daily treatment with PBB (n = 43) or placebo (n = 46) 30 min before bed for 30 days. Participants were monitored for changes in sleep (by sleep diary and an activity tracker), mood, and neurocognitive functioning. After 30 days, PBB improved diary sleep quality (p = 0.008) and reduced insomnia severity (p = 0.044) when compared to placebo. No other changes in sleep outcomes were observed. Additionally, PBB did not impair neurocognitive functioning, and some improvement was noted in vigilant attention, working memory, and risk assessment. Among individuals with subclinical sleep disturbances, PBB improved sleep quality, insomnia severity, and neurocognitive functioning over placebo. These findings indicate that polyphenol compounds may be useful for improving certain aspects of sleep without compromising neurocognitive functioning.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03567343.

Keywords: cognition; dietary supplement; nutrition; polyphenol; sleep quality.

Conflict of interest statement

Kemin Foods, represented by Kelli Herrlinger, contributed to the study design, analytic plan, and interpretation of the results. However, neither Kemin Foods nor its representatives had any control over the collection of data or the publication of any results. At all times, the researchers at the University of Arizona retained full and final control of the content of this manuscript. Additionally, Grandner reports he has received compensation for scientific advisory activities from Fitbit, Natrol, Casper Sleep, and Smartypants Vitamins, as well as pharmaceutical companies Merck and Sunovion. He serves as a scientific advisor for NightFood (no compensation but potential for equity) and has received grants from Jazz Pharmaceuticals. None of these interests are related to or had any impact on this study. Tubbs, Kennedy, Alfonso-Miller, and Wills have nothing to disclose and declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
CONSORT flow diagram of study recruitment, randomization, and activities.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Mean (± SE) plots for outcomes with significant group by time effects, including sleep diary sleep quality (A), ISI score (B), lapses (C), PVT median reaction time (D), N-back accuracy (E), and BART optimal pumps difference (F). Tests of significance are between-group t-tests. * p < 0.05. ISI: Insomnia Severity Index, PBB: proprietary blend of botanical extracts, PVT: Psychomotor Vigilance Task, BART: Balloon Analogue Risk Task.

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