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Dietary Zinc Acts as a Sleep Modulator
Yoan Cherasse1, Yoshihiro Urade2
1International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, 305-8575 Tsukuba, Japan. cherasse.yoan.fm@u.tsukuba.ac.jp.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|November 9, 2017
Summary
Zinc supplementation may improve sleep. Studies show zinc levels correlate with sleep duration and quality, with oral zinc enhancing sleep in mice and humans. Further research is exploring the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Nutritional Science
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Zinc is essential for numerous molecular and physiological processes in animals.
- Emerging evidence suggests a role for zinc in sleep regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the scientific literature linking zinc and sleep.
- To evaluate potential molecular mechanisms underlying the relationship between zinc and sleep.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating zinc's effect on sleep.
- Analysis of research on zinc serum concentration and sleep patterns.
- Examination of studies involving oral zinc administration and sleep outcomes in animal models and humans.
Main Results:
- Zinc serum concentration has been observed to vary with sleep duration.
- Oral administration of zinc has been shown to increase both the quantity and quality of sleep in mice and humans.
Conclusions:
- Zinc plays a significant role in sleep regulation.
- Understanding the molecular pathways involved could illuminate sleep's fundamental functions.
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