Sleep deprivation can have negative consequences on both the body and the mind, interfering with physical energy and cognition. However, new research suggests that vitamin E may help support the memory functions of people who are not getting enough sleep.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps fight off the effects of unhealthy aging due to environmental sources, such as air pollution or ultraviolet light from the sun, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), a division of the National Institutes of Health. This nutrient is also important for the immune and cardiovascular systems.

An international research team conducted a laboratory experiment on sleep-deprived rats made to run a maze. Results showed that even though sleep deprivation could impair both short and long-term memory, vitamin E protected the antioxidant mechanisms of the brain, thus supporting memory, as published in the January 1 issue of the journal Behavioural Brain Research.

Furthermore, this research helped identify parts of the brain that may serve as targets of vitamin E in supporting cognitive functions.

Dietary sources of vitamin E include vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach, according to the ODS. While this nutrient is available in both natural and synthetic forms, studies suggest that natural form, known as d-alpha-tocopherol, is more potent.