The Sedative Effect of Non-Alcoholic Beer in Healthy Female Nurses

Abstract

IntroductionThe hop (Humulus lupulus L.), a component of beer, is a sedative plant whose pharmacological activity is principally due to its bitter resins, in particular to the α-acid degradation product 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol. The mechanism of action of hop resin consists of raising the levels of the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter acting in the central nervous system (CNS).ObjectivesTo analyze the sedative effect of hops as a component of non-alcoholic beer on the sleep/wake rhythm in a work-stressed population.MethodsThe experiment was conducted with healthy female nurses (n = 17) working rotating and/or night shifts. Overnight sleep and chronobiological parameters were assessed by actigraphy (Actiwatch®) after moderate ingestion of non-alcoholic beer containing hops (333 ml with 0,0% alcohol) with supper for 14 days (treatment). Data were obtained in comparison with her own control group without consumption of beer during supper.ResultsActigraphy results demonstrated improvement of night sleep quality as regards the most important parameters: Sleep Latency diminished (p≤0.05) in the Treatment group (12.01±1.19 min) when compared to the Control group (20.50±4.21 min), as also did Total Activity (p≤0.05; Treatment group = 5284.78±836.99 activity pulses vs Control = 7258.78±898.89 activity pulses). In addition, anxiety as indexed by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) decreased in the Treatment group (State Anxiety 18.09±3.8 vs Control 20.69±2.14).ConclusionThe moderate consumption of non-alcoholic beer will favour night-time rest, due in particular to its hop components, in addition to its other confirmed benefits for the organism.

Effects of a hops (Humulus lupulus L.) dry extract supplement on self-reported depression, anxiety and stress levels in apparently healthy young adults: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover pilot study

“…14,15 This has also been suggested in two studies by Franco et al which used non-alcoholic beer as a dietary source of hops over a 2-week period in 30 university students and 17 healthy female nurses, respectively. 33,34 Both these studies reported improvement in night sleep quality (e.g. reduced sleep latency), with the latter study suggesting that the effects on sleep quality were also reflected in decreased self-reported anxiety levels, as measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.…”

“…reduced sleep latency), with the latter study suggesting that the effects on sleep quality were also reflected in decreased self-reported anxiety levels, as measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. 34 However, these two studies were not conducted in a blinded manner, lacked a placebo-controlled arm and had a non-standardized source of hops, thus limiting the interpretation and implications of the reported findings, particularly regarding the hops effects on anxiety levels through improved sleep quality. In order to explore this hypothesis, welldesigned, placebo-controlled studies with subjective and objective measures of sleep quality, quantity and architecture will be required.…”

Effect of non-alcohol beer on anxiety: Relationship of 5-HIAA

“…Regarding to the decreased urinary levels of 5 HIAA after the consumption of non alcoholic beer to explain that it could be generated by the anxiolytic effect of hops [6][7][8] and lysine [18], it has been irrefut ably proved by the sedative effect of non alcoholic beer on a stressed population [20,24,25], because abnormal urinary levels of 5 HIAA have been associ ated to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) [26,27] and the severity of the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale [28]. In particular, increased 5 HIAA levels were cor related with the Hamilton somatic subscale (items 7 to 13) with items related to somatic signs of anxiety: tension, intellectual difficulties, somatic muscular symptoms, somatic sensory symptoms, and genitouri nary symptoms.…”

“…In addi tion to the non alcoholic beer consumption in people with sleep problems, the sedative action associated with the components of hops and the amino acid lysine has been used to correct temporary sleep latency Effect of Non Alcohol Beer on Anxiety: Relationship of 5 HIAA 1 and sleep fragmentation disorders in human popula tions [20].…”

Herbal Medicine for Insomnia

“…36 Ingestion of 333 ml nonalcoholic beer (containing around 1 g of hops) at dinnertime, compared to no beer, reduced sleep latency and improved sleep quality in healthy nurses doing shift work in one small trial. 37 The compounds responsible for hops effects on sleep have not been determined. One study in mice suggested that hops acted in part by activating melatonin receptors.…”