Comparing the Efficacy of Select Nutraceuticals for Sleep Disorders: A Network Meta-Analysis

This research utilized a network meta-analysis to conduct a comparative analysis of the efficacy of six prevalent nutraceuticals purported to ameliorate sleep disorders. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted utilizing PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database to uncover the efficacy of vitamin D, traditional Chinese medicine containing Zao Ren (Ziziphi Spinosae Semen) and saffron as the main ingredients, L-theanine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, melatonin, and precursors of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide for mitigating sleep disorders which is evaluated by The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Through the literature selection process, 16 studies, involving a sample size of 1,038, are utilized in our network meta-analysis, conducted by using R software. The results reveal that, compared to placebo, vitamin D and traditional Chinese medicine demonstrate a significantly superior efficacy in reducing the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. On the other hand, no significant difference in efficacy is observed from the treatment with L-theanine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, melatonin, and precursors of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. Therefore, this study advocates that treatment with vitamin D or traditional Chinese medicine may be more efficient in ameliorating sleep disorders.