Role of Antioxidants in Sleep Disorders: A Review

Abstract

Sleep is a crucial physiological process that plays an indispensable role in sustaining overall health and well-being. It is well known that various factors affect the multifaceted dimensions of sleep, from its underlying mechanisms or comorbidity to its profound impact on physical and mental health. Sleep disorders are very common, frequently underdiagnosed, and often overlooked. They are also linked to a wide range of illnesses and may significantly reduce the quality of life. There is strong evidence that chronic diseases are more likely to develop due to the adverse consequences of sleep deprivation, which include cognitive decline, emotional and mental health problems, as well as cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and metabolic health issues. Insufficiency of sleep and sleep disorders are common augurs of child/adolescent mental diseases, such as anxiety and depression, including suicidal thoughts. Additionally, we discuss a few sleep disorders, focusing on their effects, for instance, insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome. Antioxidants are molecules that can benefit the body by combating detrimental free radicals, which have been associated with health ailments such as diabetes and cancer. These are groups of compounds that counterbalance free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cell, and over the many clinical trials, they have been scientifically fascinating compounds due to their numerous advantages. As the relationship between sleep and health continues to evolve, this review highlights the intricate significance of antioxidants and their benefits for improving sleep quality and managing sleep deprivation. In addition to that, antioxidants are well known to defend the human body from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to various health ailments.