A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a polyphenol botanical blend on sleep and daytime functioning

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.