Effects of NR Supplementation on Sleep Health

Sleep health is a fundamental safeguard for both physical and mental well-being; however, advancing age and changing lifestyles frequently precipitate sleep disturbances. Nicotinamide riboside (NR), a key form of vitamin B3, has emerged as a focal point in sleep research because of its ability to modulate NAD? levels and improve sleep-related physiological processes.

Core Mechanism of NR Action

NR enhances sleep primarily by elevating NAD?. NAD? is a central redox cofactor in metabolic reactions, exerts neuroprotective effects, and counters oxidative stress, yet its concentration declines markedly with age, thereby disrupting sleep–wake cycles and circadian rhythms. As a biochemical precursor of NAD?, NR administered as a supplement can restore intracellular NAD? levels, acting on clock genes and NAD?-dependent enzymes such as SIRT1 to re-establish circadian balance and provide a physiological basis for healthy sleep.

Pre-clinical Evidence

Pre-clinical studies have confirmed NR’s beneficial effects on sleep. Four-month-old mice given 400 mg kg?1 NR daily for four months exhibited 4- to 5-fold increases in hepatic and hypothalamic NAD? levels, enhanced BMAL1 and PER2 gene activity, and restored circadian rhythmicity. Long-term dietary NR (3.33 g kg?1) in C57BL/6J mice reduced NREM sleep by 17 %, accelerated the dissipation of sleep need, and augmented high-frequency EEG activity. Moreover, NR mitigated cognitive impairment induced by chronic sleep deprivation by inhibiting microglial activation and attenuating mitochondrial damage, thereby safeguarding sleep-related neural function.

Human Study Findings

Human data lend further support. In a randomized, double-blind trial of Japanese older adults, 250 mg day?1 NR (administered as NMN) for 12 weeks significantly lowered Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores, improved sleep quality, and alleviated fatigue and daytime sleepiness, concomitant with elevated blood NAD? and its metabolites. Insomniac individuals taking 1–3 g day?1 NR in two divided doses for 23 days showed markedly improved sleep efficiency and increased REM sleep duration. An evening composite supplement containing 1.93 mg NR plus mulberry-leaf extract shortened sleep latency and facilitated rapid sleep onset.

Current research has limitations: studies specifically targeting women—especially perimenopausal women—and diverse ethnic groups remain scarce, and several trials are either small in scale or employ multi-ingredient formulations, impeding clear attribution of benefits to NR alone. Nonetheless, NR supplementation is generally safe and is underpinned by well-defined physiological mechanisms, offering a reliable avenue for improving sleep health. Future work should provide more targeted investigations to validate long-term efficacy and define optimal populations.

Reference

[1] Weiss C. Vitamin B3 Ameliorates Sleep Duration and Quality in Clinical and Pre-Clinical Studies [J]. Nutrients, 2025, 17(12): 1982.

*Special note - This article is for informational purposes only and cannot replace a doctor's treatment diagnosis and advice. It should not be regarded as a recommendation or proof of efficacy of the medical products involved. If it involves disease diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, please be sure to go to a professional medical institution to seek professional advice.

by GSHWORLD

GSHWORLD is China Biological API Manufacturer. China Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride NR Supplements powder suppliers & best Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride NR benefits raw material Factory.