Ubiquinol at the Intersection of Stress, Sleep and Oxidative Stress
Dec 2024Recent Article
How Kaneka Ubiquinol™ can Mitigate the Effects of Stress and Poor Sleep
The events that trigger psychosocial stress, such as major life disruptions, are unavoidable. But when coupled with the increased daily demands on our time and energy, this can become chronic stress that impacts our physical and mental health.
Emerging research highlights how psychosocial stress can have a cascade of effects on our physical wellbeing, causing sleep issues and oxidative stress that may drive further health issues. Recent research on stress, sleep quality and oxidative damage demonstrates their interconnectedness and highlights the potential role of interventions such as Kaneka Ubiquinol™ in mitigating the ill-effects.
The Link Between Psychosocial Stress and Oxidative Stress[1]
A 2021 study shed a new light on how psychosocial stress correlates with increased oxidative stress in the body by using Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Two groups were studied; individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia (expected to have higher oxidative stress levels) and a healthy control group.
Key findings:
This study utilised serum analysis to demonstrate that individuals under stress have statistically significant increases in oxidative stress biomarkers just 90 minutes after exposure to an acute psychosocial stressor.
The Role of Mitochondrial Function in Stress Responses[2]
A 2018 literature review by Picard et al examined how mitochondria play a crucial role in adaptation to stress responses, energy regulation and adaptive processes.
Key findings:
Researchers found that mitochondria are involved in regulating neuroendocrine, metabolic, inflammatory and transcription responses to acute psychological stress, while also dynamically changing energy demands triggered by glucocorticoids and catecholamines. This response is noteworthy because it impacts cellular adaptation and energy production, leading to poor stress resilience and increased disease susceptibility.
Ubiquinol in Managing Stress, Sleep and Oxidative Stress[3]
A randomised, double-blind, parallel-controlled study conducted over 8-weeks by Morikawa et al in 2019 examined the effects of Kaneka Ubiquinol™ on daily life stress and sleep quality in healthy subjects with high stress sensitivity.
Key findings:
The study divided participants into a treatment group receiving Kaneka Ubiquinol™ at 100 mg a day and a placebo group.
The Ubiquinol treatment group experienced a significant reduction in perceived stress levels and improved sleep quality compared to placebo. These effects were particularly noticeable in individuals with high sensitivity to stress.
The study concluded that Kaneka Ubiquinol™ supplementation produced a significantly greater effect than placebo on Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) stress scores, Epworth Sleepiness scale and OS A-M.A. scores, as well as autonomic nervous system activity and pulse wave data assessments. No clinically relevant adverse reactions were noted.
The takeaway message
Stress disrupts mitochondrial function, resulting in increased oxidative stress and poor sleep. Research shows that Kaneka Ubiquinol™ is a valuable intervention for stress management due to its proven ability to increase mitochondrial efficiency, reduce oxidative damage and support sleep.
References:
[1] Kim E, et al. Association of acute psychosocial stress with oxidative stress: Evidence from serum analysis. Redox Biol 2021(47):102138.
[2] Picard M, et al. An energetic view of stress: Focus on mitochondria. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology 2018(49):72-85.
[3] Morikawa H, et al. Reduced form of coenzyme q10 relieves daily life stress and improves sleep quality in healthy subjects with high stress sensitivity-a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study. Japanese Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2019;57(8):1231-1244.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Consult your healthcare professional to establish if Ubiquinol is suitable for your needs.