Evening Alpha-Lactalbumin Supplementation Alters Sleep Architecture and Reduces Morning Reaction Time in an Athletically Trained Population With Sleep Difficulties.

Abstract

Evening consumption of a whey protein rich in the amino acid tryptophan, alpha-lactalbumin (ALAC), has previously shown to benefit sleep-particularly among poor sleepers. Given trained populations often experience sleep difficulty, this study investigated whether evening supplementation of ALAC would influence sleep outcomes, mood, and next-day cognitive performance within a trained population with sleep difficulties. Nineteen trained participants (females, n = 11) with sleep difficulties (Athlete Sleep Screening Questionnaire: 8.1 ± 3.1; Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index: 10.5 ± 4.1) completed this double-blinded, counterbalanced, randomized, crossover trial. Forty grams of ALAC or control were supplemented 2 hr presleep for three consecutive nights in a controlled environment, with sleep measured using dry electroencephalography. Blood samples were taken on the first evening of each experimental trial, with mood, sleepiness, and recovery assessed across the evening and morning. A cognitive testing battery was also completed each morning. During the ALAC condition, the primary findings were that participants had raised plasma tryptophan levels (p < .01), increased nonrapid eye movement Stage 2 sleep duration (CON: 205.9 ± 33.3; ALAC: 216.5 ± 33.1 min), reduced rapid eye movement duration (CON: 110.8 ± 27.9; ALAC: 99.7 ± 23.1 min), and improved reaction time in cognitive tests involving sensory motor speed, spatial orientation, and vigilant attention (p < .05). Data suggest evening supplementation of 40 g ALAC alters sleep architecture and improves next-morning reaction time in trained populations with sleep difficulties. Therefore, trained individuals experiencing sleep difficulty may benefit from acute ALAC supplementation to assist next-day performance. Future research should investigate this effect within habitual environments, outside of a tightly controlled setting.