Sleep. It’s something many of us struggle with. You’ve probably tried calming teas, meditation, or even cutting caffeine and some of that helps. But what if nature holds even more power than you realise?
That’s where saffron comes in, especially Affron®, a clinically studied saffron extract. At Earth’s Secret, we believe in science and in real results. That’s why we’ve included saffron in our Sleep Complex. Below, you’ll see what the research says, how it works in the body, and why it could be the missing piece in your nightly rest.
What Is Saffron & Affron®
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Saffron is the dried stigma of Crocus sativus, used for centuries in traditional medicine for mood, calming nerves, and promoting relaxation. Wikipedia
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Affron® is a standardised saffron extract, tested in multiple human clinical trials. It’s high in active compounds like crocin and safranal, which are thought to support mood, biology of sleep, and stress. PubMed+1
How Does Saffron Work for Sleep?
Science is still uncovering exactly how, but here are likely mechanisms:
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Melatonin production: Studies show Affron® increases evening melatonin levels. Melatonin is the hormone that signals to your body "it's time for rest." PubMed+1
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Neurotransmitter support: Saffron may modulate serotonin, GABA, and glutamate systems in the brain — all involved in calming neural activity and reducing nighttime anxiety. PubMed+2PubMed+2
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Reduced sleep latency & improved sleep quality: Many trials show people fall asleep faster and get more restorative sleep (fewer awakenings, deeper sleep) compared to placebo. RSC Publishing+2PMC+2
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Gut‑sleep axis effects: The 2025 pilot study found saffron changed the composition of gut microbiota in older adults, increasing beneficial genera and linking these shifts to better sleep metrics. This suggests part of the effect may come from gut brain signalling. RSC Publishing
Safety & Dosage Insights
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Doses used in studies are typically 14‑30 mg of standardised saffron extract (e.g. Affron®) taken once daily before bed. PubMed+2NeurologyLive+2
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Most trials run for 4 weeks, though longer durations (8‑12 weeks) also show benefits, especially for mood in addition to sleep. PubMed+1
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Reported side effects in trials are minimal. Saffron appears well tolerated. PubMed+1
Why We Use Saffron in Our Sleep Complex
At Earth’s Secret, we only include ingredients backed by clinical data. Here’s why saffron was a must:
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It supports sleep naturally, not through sedatives
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It works both subjectively (how rested you feel) and objectively (measured metrics like sleep onset)
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Combined with other sleep‑supports (like magnesium, melatonin precursors, etc.), it helps create a full night’s rest rather than sporadic short sleep
Tips to Maximise Sleep with Saffron
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Take your dose about 1 hour before bed, in a calm environment
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Dimming lights and reducing screen exposure enhances melatonin production (which saffron may help boost)
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Keep a consistent sleep schedule — saffron helps, but habits matter too
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever felt like you try everything — herbal teas, sleeping masks, routines — but still wake up feeling tired, saffron might be the missing piece. The research is growing, and the outcomes look promising for both mood and rest.
Discover why we choose saffron → [CTA: “Discover why we use saffron”]