Effect of tart cherry juice (Prunus cerasus) on melatonin levels and enhanced sleep quality
Howatson G, et al.
Published in European Journal of Nutrition
Methodology
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial; 7 days of tart cherry juice concentrate or placebo; actigraphy and subjective sleep questionnaires with sequential 48-hour urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin and cosinor analysis.
Key Findings
20 healthy volunteers consumed tart Montmorency cherry juice concentrate or placebo for 7 days in a randomised double-blind crossover design, with sleep measured by actigraphy and questionnaires and urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin sampled over 48 hours. Total melatonin content was significantly elevated with cherry juice (p < 0.05) but unchanged with placebo. Time in bed, total sleep time and sleep efficiency all increased significantly with cherry juice (p < 0.05); the timing of the melatonin circadian rhythm was unchanged, with only a trend toward higher mesor and amplitude.
Conclusions
Tart cherry juice concentrate provides an increase in exogenous melatonin beneficial in improving sleep duration and quality.
Limitations
Only 20 healthy adults without sleep disorders, studied for 7 days; the absolute gains in sleep time were modest and the melatonin rhythm itself did not shift.
Supplements Studied
consumption of a tart cherry juice concentrate provides an increase in exogenous melatonin that is beneficial in improving sleep duration and quality
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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