The Effectiveness of Jujube Supplement Pills in Improving Sleep Quality

The Team at Apothekure

·March 13, 2024

·8 min read

The Effectiveness of Jujube Supplement Pills in Improving Sleep Quality

Understanding Jujube Supplements and Their Connection to Better Sleep

Do you struggle with getting a good night's sleep? If so, you're not alone. Many people face challenges when it comes to falling asleep and staying asleep. This is where jujube supplements come into play. These natural pills have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to improve sleep quality and treat insomnia.

What Are Jujube Supplements?

Jujube, also known as Chinese date, has a rich history and origin deeply rooted in traditional medicine practices. The fruit contains key components that make it an effective aid for promoting better sleep. One of the primary components found in jujube supplements is saponins, which have a sedative and hypnotic effect. These compounds play a crucial role in inducing sleep and improving its quality.

The Science Behind Jujube and Sleep

Scientific research has highlighted the multiple benefits of jujube fruit on sleep and mental well-being. Rich in antioxidants, amino acids, and polysaccharides, jujube has been associated with potential anti-cancer, mood-enhancing, and sleep-promoting effects. Notably, it improves sleep quality and daytime functioning by influencing the body’s serotonin system, which in turn enhances sleep duration.

Jujube seeds are particularly recognized for their ability to support better sleep. They contain compounds such as GABA, threonine, and glycine, known for their calming effects on the nervous system, reduction in stress hormones, and promotion of deep, restful sleep. This calming action extends to increasing REM sleep duration and decreasing sleep onset time, offering a natural remedy for individuals facing insomnia or sleep disturbances related to stress and anxiety.

Scientific Evidence Supporting Jujube's Effectiveness

Clinical studies validate the efficacy of jujube in improving sleep. Individuals consuming jujube seed supplements for four weeks reported significantly longer and higher-quality sleep compared to those taking a placebo. Additionally, research points to jujube’s impact on the serotonin system, with one study demonstrating a major component of jujube significantly enhancing sleep in animal models.

Jujube's traditional use in Chinese medicine for treating insomnia receives support from its content of saponins, compounds credited with sedative and hypnotic effects. Animal studies corroborate these findings, showing the ability of these compounds to facilitate sleep induction.

The essence of jujube’s benefit lies in its seed’s capacity to foster tranquility by mitigating stress hormone production like cortisol. This promotes a deep and rejuvenating sleep, essential for the body’s repair processes.

Jujube Seeds in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Jujube seeds, aka Suan Zao Ren, are all about calming the spirit and nourishing the Heart Yin in TCM. Great for tackling:

insomnia
palpitations
restlessness
night sweats

They're also tapped for cognitive decline, anxiety, stress, and sleep problems because they hit the Gallbladder, Heart, and Liver channels. You can have them fresh, dried, as tea, syrups, candy, wine, or take them in pill form like in Cloud Nine. They're a key component of Apothekure's Cloud Nine supplement – a proprietary blend of 8 herbs based on the principles of TCM designed to support both sleep and radiant skin.

By incorporating jujube supplements into your nightly routine, you can experience improved sleep quality while benefiting from its calming effects on the mind and body.

Jujube Supplements vs. Other Sleep Aids

Jujube supplements are showing some real promise compared to other sleep aids.

jujube supplements graph vs other sleep aids — *Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it is safe for your individual needs and health conditions.*

Jujube seeds have been part of traditional Chinese medicine for ages, helping with sleep and tackling insomnia without the nasty side effects some other aids have. It's a natural, safe alternative for anyone looking to improve their sleep the holistic way.

Studies have shown that jujube supplements can increase the length of REM sleep and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep when compared to other sleep aids. Furthermore, jujube has been found to extend overall sleep time and increase the duration of deep, restorative slow-wave sleep as well as REM sleep – essential stages for physical recovery and cognitive function.

In addition, jujube seed extract has demonstrated its potential in stress management at lower doses while supporting improved sleep at higher doses. This dual benefit makes it a versatile option for individuals looking to manage both stress levels and achieve better quality sleep.

Furthermore, jujube seed is considered a medicinal herb that calms the mind and relieves mental tension. It is commonly prescribed for the treatment of insomnia and forgetfulness due to its calming properties.

Real-Life Benefits: How Jujube Pills Enhance Sleep Quality

Dr. Michael Breus, a Board Certified Sleep Specialist, has been recommending jujube as a supplement for patients with insomnia or other sleep issues. He finds jujube especially effective for individuals whose sleep problems are related to stress and anxiety. According to Dr. Breus, one of the strongest benefits of jujube is its ability to calm the mind, quiet neural activity, and help induce and sustain sleep. Scientific studies have shown that both flavonoids and saponins—bioactive compounds found in jujube—have been proven to increase sleep time. Other research indicates that one of the flavonoids in jujube can increase time spent in slow-wave sleep and REM sleep, the two most restorative stages of sleep.

Incorporating Jujube Supplement Pills into Your Nightly Routine

Now that we understand the science, let's figure out the best way to add these natural pills to our nightly routine to get the most benefit.

How to Start Taking Jujube Supplements for Sleep

When starting with jujube supplements for sleep, it's essential to consider the recommended dosages and timings. Typically, it is advised to take two jujube supplement pills about 60 minutes before bedtime. This allows the natural compounds in jujube to take effect, promoting relaxation and preparing your body for a restful night's sleep.

Consistency is key when it comes to maximizing the benefits of jujube supplements. It's important to establish a nightly routine by taking the recommended dosage at the same time each evening. This consistent use helps regulate your body's response to jujube, ensuring its effectiveness in promoting better sleep over time.

Combining Jujube Supplements with Healthy Sleep Practices

Besides adding jujube supplements to your night routine, there are other healthy sleep habits that can boost jujube's benefits and help you sleep better overall.

These practices work synergistically with jujube's calming properties, creating an ideal setting for achieving restorative and rejuvenating sleep each night.

Furthermore, considering other natural remedies alongside jujube pills can further enhance their effectiveness. Herbal teas like chamomile or lavender can be enjoyed before bedtime to promote relaxation and prepare the body for sleep. Additionally, practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises can help alleviate stress and anxiety, working harmoniously with jujube supplements to support better sleep.

By combining jujube supplement pills like Apothekure's Cloud Nine with healthy sleep practices, you can create an optimal environment for achieving improved sleep quality on a consistent basis.

References:

Cao JX, Zhang QY, Cui SY, et al. Hypnotic effect of jujubosides from Semen Ziziphi Spinosae. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2010;130(1):163-166. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2010.03.023

Chen L, Zhang X, Hu C, et al. Regulation of GABAA and 5-HT Receptors Involved in Anxiolytic Mechanisms of Jujube Seed: A System Biology Study Assisted by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and RT-qPCR Method. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2020;11. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.01320

Comparison of the sedative and hypnotic effects of flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides extracted from Semen Ziziphus jujube. Natural Product Research. Published 2024. Accessed March 13, 2024. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14786410701192827

Gi Yeon Bae, Ahn Y, Hong KB, Jung EJ, Hyung Joo Suh, Jo K. Sleep-Enhancing Effect of Water Extract from Jujube (Zizyphus jujuba Mill.) Seeds Fermented by Lactobacillus brevis L32. Foods. 2023;12(15):2864-2864. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12152864

Pu, Y., Sinclair, A., Zhong, J., Liu, D., & Song, L. (2019). Determination of ϒ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in jujube fruit (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.). CyTA - Journal of Food, 17, 158 - 162. https://doi.org/10.1080/19476337.2019.1566277.

Shen CY, Wan L, Zhu JJ, Jiang JG. Targets and underlying mechanisms related to the sedative and hypnotic activities of saponin extracts from semen Ziziphus jujube. Food & Function. 2020;11(5):3895-3903. doi:https://doi.org/10.1039/d0fo00098a