Vitamin E May Help Ease Memory Problems Associated with Lack of Sleep

The 2011 Sleep in America survey conducted on behalf of the National Sleep Foundation found that more than 40 percent of Americans between the ages of 13 and 64 rarely got sufficient sleep on weeknights and more than 60 percent reported having trouble sleeping almost every night.1

We all know that sleep is required for health and well-being but many of us may not realize the consequences of not having a good night’s sleep over a prolonged length of time. A lack of sleep results in mental, emotional and physical fatigue. Sleep deficit is known to reduce efficiency and productivity at work, effect judgment and disturb relationships. Insufficient sleep has been linked with negative moods such as irritability, anger and depression. Chronic sleep loss may lead to more serious health consequences and has been associated with heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.2

According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) about 25 percent of Americans who suffer from sleep problems take sleep aids to help them fall asleep.3Stress, long work hours and the increasing use of communications technology are contributing factors to the nation’s sleep debt. This dire situation could well present an opportunity for supplement business owners to meet their customers’ needs for a good night’s sleep through a range of well-researched, non-addictive botanicals and nutrients known to meet the nutritional gap that sleep deprivation creates and help induce a good night’s sleep. But while sleep aids may help calm the body and mind preparing it for sleep, there is more to sleep than meets the shut eye.

Sleep and Memory

Significant evidence from research shows us that sleep is extremely important for optimal cognitive functions and for learning (memory). Sleep deprivation is known to increase brain oxidative stress and impair the memory and learning process. The effect of sleep loss on memory has been well-linked through functional imaging studies that have contrasted sleep-deprived and well-rested brains.4-5

A recent study shows us that scientists may have found a way to counteract some of the negative consequences of sleep deprivation such as memory impairment. This break-through study conducted at Jordan University in collaboration with Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond suggests that diminished memory due to lack of sleep may be remedied through Vitamin E supplementation.6

Neuro-Protective Effects of Vitamin E on the Sleep-Deprived

Supplementation of Vitamin E may be especially beneficial for college students and professionals who heavily rely on their memory in spite of being in a sleep deprived state. As part of the research study, sleep deprived rats were given a dose of Vitamin E daily; another group of sleep-deprived rats were not given any supplementation; the third group was given Vitamin E supplements but was not sleep-deprived.

This was the first study to examine the effects of Vitamin E supplementation with chronic sleep deprivation, according to Behavior Brain Research. Scientists observed an improvement in the impairment of short and long term memory in the sleep-deprived group of rats given Vitamin E supplements. Researchers also noted that Vitamin E supplementation showed no benefits of memory improvement in the group of rats that were not sleep deprived. The sleep-deprived group that was not given Vitamin E supplements showed a decline in short and long term memory. Benefits of memory improvement were seen only in the sleep-deprived group of rats receiving Vitamin E supplementation.

When researchers dissected the hippocampus of these test rats and assessed antioxidant markers, they noted increased levels of antioxidant defenses in this particular area of the brain which plays a vital role in short- and long-term memory as well as spatial navigation. The effects of Vitamin E showed increased activity in the number of antioxidant enzymes in the hippocampus, thus influencing the antioxidant effect in that region of the brain. Scientists concluded the antioxidant effect of Vitamin E normalized hippocampus antioxidant mechanisms during sleep deprivation and reduced memory impairment.

Vitamin E Supplement Manufacturing Options

Dietary supplemental intake of Vitamin E is essential for skin health, but may also help lower the risk of certain diseases such as heart disease, cancer, age-related eye disorders and improve mental functions.7

Vitamin E is an oil-based vitamin, and therefore oral delivery options for vitamin manufacturing are usually limited to soft gels and liquid shots. Liquid shots are a novel delivery concept, usually in combination with other multi-vitamins and nutrients. The pre-measured, drinkable shots are not only convenient to take but offer higher absorption rate of nutrients than gel capsules. An experienced, GMP-certified contract nutraceutical manufacturer can help you private label high-quality Vitamin E supplements in convenient, affordable and effective delivery options.