Effects of sesamin on sleep quality and the antioxidative status in patients with low arousal threshold obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and those at risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

This study aims to investigate the beneficial effects of sesamin (94.0 mg/day) on sleep quality and antioxidative status in patients at risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) or those with a low arousal threshold for OSAS. It is a double-blind, self-controlled, crossover study. After 8-week sesamin supplementation, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores significantly decreased, indicating improved sleep quality and reduced daytime sleepiness symptoms. Furthermore, the antioxidant status was significantly enhanced, including elevation of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione reductase activities, and the glutathione content, alongside a reduction in the plasma malondialdehyde content. Results of correlation analysis showed that plasma GPX activity was negatively correlated with PSQI and ESS scores, suggesting that the oxidative stress status might be related to improvements in subjective sleep quality.