Hyperoside-Rich Blueberry Leaf Tea Improves Sleep Continuity in Adults with Poor Sleep: A Two-Week Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Nutritional science
• Sleep medicine
• Herbal medicine

Background:

• Poor sleep quality affects physical and mental health, necessitating safer alternatives to pharmacological interventions.
• Blueberry leaves contain hyperoside and may influence sleep via serotonergic and melatonergic pathways.
• The sleep-enhancing effects of fermented blueberry leaf tea remain undemonstrated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the sleep-enhancing effects of fermented blueberry leaf tea.
• To assess the impact of fermented blueberry leaf tea on objective and subjective sleep quality.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 50 adults reporting poor sleep.
• Participants consumed fermented blueberry leaf tea or placebo tea three times daily for two weeks.
• Objective sleep parameters (sleep efficiency, WASO, latency, total sleep time) were measured by actigraphy; subjective sleep quality was assessed via OSA-MA questionnaire.

Main Results:

• Fermented blueberry leaf tea significantly improved sleep efficiency and reduced wake after sleep onset (WASO) compared to placebo (p < 0.05).
• No significant differences were found in sleep latency, total sleep time, or subjective sleep quality.
• Poorer baseline sleep efficiency and WASO correlated with greater improvements, indicating benefit for those with fragmented sleep.

Conclusions:

• Fermented blueberry leaf tea may enhance sleep continuity within two weeks.
• The tea shows potential for individuals experiencing fragmented sleep.
• Functional foods like fermented blueberry leaf tea may play a role in sleep health strategies.