---
title: "Evidence: improves sleep latency, duration"
description: "Saffron extract improved objective and subjective measures of sleep quality and duration in people with mild to moderate sleep disorders and anxiety."
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s119.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s119.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s119.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "s119"
journal: "Nutrients"
year: 2021
pmid: "33925432"
doi: "10.3390/nu13051473"
citations: 1
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
---

# Evidence: improves sleep latency, duration

[Home](https://magellanlongevity.com/) › [Research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html) › Evidence: improves sleep latency, duration

**HTML version:** https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s119.html · **In the Magellan app:** https://magellanlongevity.com/#/study/s119

## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Nutrients |
| Year | 2021 |
| PMID | [33925432](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33925432/) |
| DOI | [10.3390/nu13051473](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13051473) |
| Study key | s119 |

## Takeaway

Saffron extract improved objective and subjective measures of sleep quality and duration in people with mild to moderate sleep disorders and anxiety.

## The question

Does saffron extract improve sleep quality in individuals with mild to moderate sleep disorders associated with anxiety?

## Hypothesis

The study implicitly hypothesized that saffron extract would improve sleep quality, sleep latency, and sleep duration in subjects with mild to moderate sleep disorders associated with anxiety.

## Methods

A randomized, double-blind, controlled study was conducted with 66 subjects experiencing mild to moderate sleep disorder associated with anxiety. Participants were randomized to receive either a placebo (maltodextrin) or 15.5 mg of saffron extract per day for 6 weeks. Objective sleep data was collected using actigraphy at baseline, mid-intervention, and end of intervention. Subjective sleep quality was assessed using the LSEQ and PSQI questionnaires, and quality of life was assessed with the SF-36 questionnaire.

## Results

After 6 weeks, saffron supplementation increased time in bed (actigraphy), improved ease of getting to sleep (LSEQ), and improved sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, and global scores (PSQI). The placebo group showed no changes in these parameters.

## Conclusion

Saffron extract may be a natural and safe nutritional strategy to improve sleep duration and quality.

## Limitations

The abstract does not explicitly state any limitations of the study.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> saffron extract could improve sleep duration and quality

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Saffron Extract | Moderate evidence | [Saffron Extract](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/119.md) |

## Reference

1. **Evidence: improves sleep latency, duration**
   Nutrients 2021 · [PMID 33925432](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33925432/) · [DOI 10.3390/nu13051473](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13051473)

   > saffron extract could improve sleep duration and quality

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## Related on Magellan Longevity

- [Saffron Extract](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/119.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
- [affron a novel saffron extract improves mood in healthy adults over 4 weeks](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d28735826.md)
- [Effect of Saffron Versus SSRIs in Treatment of Depression and Anxiety: A Meta-analysis…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d38913392.md)
- [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html)
- [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md)

## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).