- There are reports that saffron may have a positive effect on sleep quality.
- The evidence score is 69, indicating moderate reliability.
- This information is useful for people who feel they have issues with sleep quality or their mood upon waking in the morning.
Saffron is an ingredient obtained from a plant.
It is generally taken in forms such as food.
It is said that saffron may have a positive effect on sleep quality and the amount of time spent sleeping.
According to research reports so far, results have shown improvement in assessments related to sleep quality. In other words, incorporating saffron may have some effect on the sense of sleeping soundly.
This knowledge is based on a systematic review (a method that gathers and organizes the content of multiple papers) using 5 RCTs (randomized controlled trials: a reliable method in which participants are randomly assigned to compare effects). This review summarized research including a study involving 379 participants.
Regarding the effects of saffron, verification has also been conducted in the form of actually having participants take the ingredient.
One study was conducted on 120 adults with a tendency toward insomnia. This study was conducted over a 15-day period, examining what kind of changes taking saffron brings about in sleep and mood.
A placebo (a fake drug that looks the same as the investigational drug but contains no active ingredient) was used for comparison. In other words, this method was used to distinguish between the effects of saffron itself and changes due to other factors. As a result of the study, reports indicated improvement in assessments related to sleep quality and in an indicator called the ISQ total score.
Currently, the evidence score for saffron is set at 69.
This indicates "moderate" reliability. That said, there are several points to consider regarding the results of the research.
To date, 2 studies on saffron have been reported.
One of the studies cited here was conducted over a relatively short period of 15 days. Therefore, there are still aspects that are not known regarding what effect it would have if continued over a longer period. In addition, it may not suit everyone, and it should be noted that not all phenomena have been confirmed.
| Study | Design | Number of Participants | Duration | Main Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrition and metabolic insights (2023, PMID:37484523) | Systematic review | 379 | Not stated | A positive effect was reported |
| Sleep medicine (2021, PMID:34438361) | Randomized controlled trial (RCT) | 120 | 15 days | A positive effect was reported |
A total of 499 people participated in the research. This includes 379 participants in the systematic review that compiled 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and 120 adults with a tendency toward insomnia.
Since people with a tendency toward insomnia are also included among the research subjects, this can serve as material for comparison with your own condition.
This report is based on 2 studies.
The study designs include systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
The overall reliability is considered moderate.
What effect is saffron said to have on sleep quality?
Research has reported that saffron has a positive effect on sleep quality. This content is based on multiple studies.
Who were the subjects in saffron research?
This includes 120 adults with a tendency toward insomnia, among others. The systematic review also includes 379 participants.
How reliable is the information on saffron?
The reliability of this research data is considered moderate. These are based on 2 studies.
There are 2 reports suggesting that saffron may have a positive effect on sleep quality. The evidence score is 69, indicating moderate reliability. However, there are also limitations, such as some studies having a short duration or a limited number of participants. It's important to consider this in light of your own physical condition. Please also try the self-check assessment.

