Overview
Top Medical Research Studies
We found that administering zinc at doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg led to a significant increase in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. This means that the mice were not only sleeping longer but also showed less activity, which is a good indicator of effective sleep. Interestingly, we did not observe any changes in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, a crucial sleep phase for dreaming and deep rest.
Importantly, we didn’t see any negative side effects, such as rebound insomnia, within 24 hours after treating the mice. This suggests that zinc could be a safe option for those struggling with sleep issues, unlike other mineral extracts we tested, such as manganese, iron, and copper, which did not affect locomotor activity at all.
Overall, our findings provide the first evidence that zinc has a direct role in promoting sleep, opening up exciting possibilities for new sleep supplements featuring this essential mineral.
Throughout the study, we focused on measuring sleep quality using several tools, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. After two months, we found that the group taking melatonin, magnesium, and zinc showed improvements in sleep quality and overall quality of life compared to the placebo group.
While the results are promising for the combination of these supplements, it's important to note that this study makes it challenging to determine the specific role that zinc alone may play in addressing insomnia. Nonetheless, the findings suggest that this combination could be beneficial for sleep in long-term care residents experiencing primary insomnia.
Notably, we observed a significant reduction in the Kupperman Index, an indicator of menopausal discomfort, particularly related to insomnia and anxiety linked with hot flushes. While the product was well-tolerated and didn't lead to any side effects, we are unable to specify the isolated effects of zinc because the benefits were observed in conjunction with other ingredients.
Overall, the findings suggest that natural supplements like ElleN® can be beneficial for managing menopausal symptoms without resorting to hormone replacement therapy, but we must be cautious in attributing the outcomes to zinc alone, given the combination with other components.
Most Useful Reviews
Medical Researches
- All Researches
Throughout the study, we focused on measuring sleep quality using several tools, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. After two months, we found that the group taking melatonin, magnesium, and zinc showed improvements in sleep quality and overall quality of life compared to the placebo group.
While the results are promising for the combination of these supplements, it's important to note that this study makes it challenging to determine the specific role that zinc alone may play in addressing insomnia. Nonetheless, the findings suggest that this combination could be beneficial for sleep in long-term care residents experiencing primary insomnia.
Notably, we observed a significant reduction in the Kupperman Index, an indicator of menopausal discomfort, particularly related to insomnia and anxiety linked with hot flushes. While the product was well-tolerated and didn't lead to any side effects, we are unable to specify the isolated effects of zinc because the benefits were observed in conjunction with other ingredients.
Overall, the findings suggest that natural supplements like ElleN® can be beneficial for managing menopausal symptoms without resorting to hormone replacement therapy, but we must be cautious in attributing the outcomes to zinc alone, given the combination with other components.
We found that administering zinc at doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg led to a significant increase in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. This means that the mice were not only sleeping longer but also showed less activity, which is a good indicator of effective sleep. Interestingly, we did not observe any changes in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, a crucial sleep phase for dreaming and deep rest.
Importantly, we didn’t see any negative side effects, such as rebound insomnia, within 24 hours after treating the mice. This suggests that zinc could be a safe option for those struggling with sleep issues, unlike other mineral extracts we tested, such as manganese, iron, and copper, which did not affect locomotor activity at all.
Overall, our findings provide the first evidence that zinc has a direct role in promoting sleep, opening up exciting possibilities for new sleep supplements featuring this essential mineral.
User Reviews
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterized by the inability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up too early and not be able to go back to sleep. Individuals experiencing insomnia may find that it affects their daytime functioning, leading to issues such as fatigue, mood disturbances, and difficulty concentrating. Insomnia can be classified into two main types: acute insomnia, which lasts for a short period often triggered by stress or life changes, and chronic insomnia, which occurs at least three times a week for three months or longer, and may require more in-depth evaluation and treatment.
Numerous factors can contribute to insomnia, including stress, anxiety, poor sleep habits, medical conditions, and the use of certain medications. Treatment for insomnia typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), and sometimes medication. Establishing a consistent sleep routine, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and practicing relaxation techniques can help improve sleep quality. If insomnia persists, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and customized treatment options.
Zinc is a versatile metal known for its various applications in industry and health. It is a bluish-white metallic element represented by the symbol Zn and atomic number 30 on the periodic table. Zinc is primarily used for galvanizing steel to prevent rusting, in the manufacturing of alloys, and as a component in batteries. Additionally, zinc plays a crucial role in biological processes, making it an essential trace element in the human diet. It is involved in immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, and DNA synthesis, highlighting its importance in maintaining overall health and well-being.
While research on the effects of zinc on insomnia is still emerging, some studies suggest that it might play a role in improving sleep quality. Zinc is essential for the proper functioning of various neurotransmitters, including those that regulate sleep. A deficiency in zinc may lead to disruptions in sleep patterns, and supplementation could potentially help those who are lacking in it. However, the evidence is not yet conclusive, and more research is needed to thoroughly understand the relationship between zinc supplementation and insomnia.
It's worth noting that zinc alone is unlikely to be a comprehensive solution for sleep issues. Factors such as overall diet, lifestyle, and existing medical conditions play significant roles in sleep quality. If you're considering using zinc to aid insomnia, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and to explore a holistic approach to better sleep.
Based on user reviews, the time frame for seeing results when taking zinc for insomnia varies significantly. Some users report feeling a positive effect relatively quickly. For instance, one individual noted feeling unusually sleepy at night after just one week of use, expressing hope that the supplement might provide the relief they need (Read Review). However, it’s important to note that not everyone's experience is the same; others have reported negative side effects like heart palpitations and insomnia after a similar duration, leading them to stop the supplement (Read Review).
Additionally, some reviews indicate that it might take longer to gauge any effectiveness due to varying individual responses. One user experienced nausea and disrupted sleep quality, indicating that side effects could overshadow potential benefits (Read Review). Overall, if you decide to try zinc for insomnia, be mindful of your body’s reactions over the first week or two and consider lowering the dosage if you experience adverse effects.
The scientific research suggests that zinc may have potential benefits for improving sleep quality and addressing insomnia, although its effects are often studied in combination with other supplements. For instance, a study indicated that zinc supplementation in mice led to a significant increase in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep without any adverse effects, supporting the idea that zinc could contribute positively to sleep quality [2]. Furthermore, in a study focusing on elderly care residents, a combination of melatonin, magnesium, and zinc was found to improve sleep quality compared to a placebo, indicating that zinc may play a role when paired with other nutrients [3].
However, the evidence remains somewhat ambiguous regarding the isolated effects of zinc on insomnia, as its benefits are often observed alongside other compounds. In a study examining a nutraceutical product containing zinc, while improvements in menopausal symptoms related to insomnia were noted, the researchers were unable to specify the impact of zinc alone due to the presence of other ingredients [1]. Thus, while zinc appears to have a promising role in supporting sleep, more research is needed to understand its specific contributions fully.
Users have reported a mixed bag of experiences when it comes to zinc as a remedy for insomnia. Some individuals have noted positive changes, with one user mentioning they felt unusually sleepy at night after just one week of taking zinc, expressing hope that it might finally provide the relief they’ve been seeking from their years of insomnia (Read Review). This suggests that for some, zinc could indeed help in achieving a more restful sleep, but results can vary widely.
On the flip side, other users have encountered adverse effects that overshadow any potential benefits. For example, one individual reported experiencing heart palpitations, insomnia, and dizziness after just a week on the supplement, necessitating a cessation of use (Read Review). Additionally, another user experienced nausea and disrupted sleep quality, prompting them to recommend a lower dosage due to the strong side effects they faced (Read Review). Overall, while some users have experienced improved symptoms, it’s crucial to approach zinc supplementation with caution and attentiveness to your body’s reactions.
Based on user reviews, opinions on the appropriate dose of zinc for treating insomnia vary significantly, indicating the need for caution. One user shared their positive experience after taking zinc for a week, noting they felt "unusually sleepy at night" which they hoped would help with their longstanding insomnia (Read Review). In contrast, another user reported adverse effects including heart palpitations and dizziness after a week's use, leading them to stop due to "high zinc" levels detected in a test (Read Review). This underscores that zinc supplementation might not be universally beneficial and requires careful monitoring.
Moreover, a different review highlighted the importance of starting with a lower dosage, as they found 50mg to be excessively strong and even noted it led to nausea and disrupted sleep (Read Review). Consequently, while some individuals have found success with zinc in managing their sleep issues, others experienced negative side effects that prompted them to discontinue its use. Users seem to recommend starting low and proceeding with caution when assessing the effectiveness and tolerability of zinc for insomnia.
We found that administering zinc at doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg led to a significant increase in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. This means that the mice were not only sleeping longer but also showed less activity, which is a good indicator of effective sleep. Interestingly, we did not observe any changes in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, a crucial sleep phase for dreaming and deep rest.
Importantly, we didn’t see any negative side effects, such as rebound insomnia, within 24 hours after treating the mice. This suggests that zinc could be a safe option for those struggling with sleep issues, unlike other mineral extracts we tested, such as manganese, iron, and copper, which did not affect locomotor activity at all.
Overall, our findings provide the first evidence that zinc has a direct role in promoting sleep, opening up exciting possibilities for new sleep supplements featuring this essential mineral.
Throughout the study, we focused on measuring sleep quality using several tools, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. After two months, we found that the group taking melatonin, magnesium, and zinc showed improvements in sleep quality and overall quality of life compared to the placebo group.
While the results are promising for the combination of these supplements, it's important to note that this study makes it challenging to determine the specific role that zinc alone may play in addressing insomnia. Nonetheless, the findings suggest that this combination could be beneficial for sleep in long-term care residents experiencing primary insomnia.
Notably, we observed a significant reduction in the Kupperman Index, an indicator of menopausal discomfort, particularly related to insomnia and anxiety linked with hot flushes. While the product was well-tolerated and didn't lead to any side effects, we are unable to specify the isolated effects of zinc because the benefits were observed in conjunction with other ingredients.
Overall, the findings suggest that natural supplements like ElleN® can be beneficial for managing menopausal symptoms without resorting to hormone replacement therapy, but we must be cautious in attributing the outcomes to zinc alone, given the combination with other components.
References
- Cappelli V, Morgante G, Di Sabatino A, Massaro MG, De Leo V. [Evaluation of the efficacy of a new nutraceutical product in the treatment of postmenopausal symptoms]. Minerva Ginecol. 2015;67:515.
- Cherasse Y, Saito H, Nagata N, Aritake K, Lazarus M, et al. Zinc-containing yeast extract promotes nonrapid eye movement sleep in mice. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2015;59:2087. doi:10.1002/mnfr.201500082
- Rondanelli M, Opizzi A, Monteferrario F, Antoniello N, Manni R, et al. The effect of melatonin, magnesium, and zinc on primary insomnia in long-term care facility residents in Italy: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2011;59:82. doi:10.1111/j.1532-5415.2010.03232.x
