Would you like to know the best 14 Ingredients Found In Sleep Supplements? Here is what to look out for…
Now, if you have tried sleep supplements before or if you have not then this information should surely help!
So, as we begin to get older many of us will start to suffer from sleep troubles. This is not uncommon! It is in fact, a part of the ageing process. As we get older our bodies do not absorb important minerals as well as we used to. It is for the exact same reason that we are more prone to Joint Pain, Heart Problems and a whole host of other things.
So, for many of us, we will likely consider supplementation to help counter this. We may also choose to look in this direction as a safer alternative to unpopular medications. For sure this might sound dangerous – going against the doctor’s advice but when we consider that the medication for sleep trouble is usually addictive Opiates this is not really so bad.
If you know you know. Sleep Supplements do not contain harmful or addictive chemicals. Instead, the ingredients found in sleep supplements usually include herbal extracts, amino acids, vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients which you may see are quite common from one supplement to the next. Although like with any different product many blends are put together with their own unique formulas. Something that definitely can influence which product you look to choose.
Check out my list below if you would like to learn more…
14 Ingredients Found In Sleep Supplements To Look Out For
FTC Disclosure:
Please note that this post contains affiliate links. If you happen to click on any links for products within this post there is a good chance I may receive a commission. The price you pay will not be affected. Also please note some products we link to we do not recommend. Please read carefully to see what our top pick is and what isn’t.
Any questions please feel free to reach out to me at chivs86@dynamicideas4life.com
i.) Try Melatonin For Better Sleep
Melatonin is found in probably 90% of all sleep supplements. Usually only a small amount but if you know what melatonin is this makes complete sense being that melatonin is the main sleep hormone. Many sleep supplements will not only include melatonin but will also add other ingredients that help boost natural melatonin production.
This is because one of the prime reasons that we struggle with sleep can often be put down to the release of melatonin. If we for example are low on important electrolytes such as magnesium and zinc as well as other important components such as Tryptophan and Vitamin B6 this can cause a serious impact on melatonin production.
For instance, an alcoholic might struggle to sleep because through their frequent peeing, sweating and even vomiting their body is becoming depleted of electrolytes.
So, melatonin is definitely top of this list for obvious reasons but it should also be noted that supplementing with Melatonin over time can cause problems. This is because this can trick the pineal gland into producing less of this hormone which can be very problematic in the long run.
For this reason, it is better to supplement with ingredients that help to produce Melatonin naturally.
ii.) Magnesium and Zinc (Important Electrolytes)
Obviously, I’ve written about Magnesium and Zinc already and how essential they both are for the production of Melatonin but actually, you can often find these both inside sleep supplements.
Magnesium is vital for Vitamin D bioavailability (absorption). The interesting part about this is that Vitamin D in its purest form comes from sunlight – and the pineal gland where melatonin is produced thrives on both light (sunlight) and darkness (moonlight). So it’s kind of like this is a key component for the sleep/wake cycle.
As for Zinc this plays a key role in neurotransmitter function and is also necessary for the metabolism of melatonin.
However, Melatonin is not the sole reason that can be responsible for sleep troubles – Which, brings me to…
iii.) GABA for Calming Down The Mind
Gamma Amino-Butyric Acid [GABA for short] is the main chemical neurotransmitter that is found naturally in the brain for helping to calm down its overactivity. For this reason, it can be very useful for relieving stress and helping the body to shut down for a night’s sleep. Conditions such as Insomnia and Anxiety are both linked to low levels of this chemical compound.
Some doubt remains about whether GABA can pass through the blood-brain barrier although research does indicate that prolonged use can help with falling asleep faster.
Of course, its ability to reduce anxiety and calm the mind can be especially helpful if you can’t sleep. Studies indicate that taking 100-300 mg of GABA for 1-4 weeks showed the most improvement. [R]
iv.) How Tryptophan Helps Sleep
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. Naturally, its role serves several different purposes. For one, in Adults Tryptophan is required to keep Nitrogen levels in balance and in Children it is essential for normal growth.
It is generally speaking fundamental to life itself and not only this but it also plays a vital role in the creation of Serotonin and Melatonin. This is through the production of Vitamin B3 Niacin which is an important building block for both and the creation of 5-HTP (5–hydroxytryptophan)
Tryptophan is not produced naturally in the body so must be taken in from food sources or supplements. It has been found to help fall asleep faster and for longer by increasing the body’s natural melatonin production. [R]
v.) L-Theanine
Another amino acid on the list of Ingredients found in sleep supplements is L-Theanine. This is like Tryptophan as it is not naturally produced in the human body. It’s primarily found in Green Tea, Black Tea and some species of mushrooms.
Healthwise it has a number of benefits including Stress and Anxiety relief, and blood pressure management. Plus it is a treatment for cancer (anti-tumour). In sleep supplements, it is added because of these amino acids effects on brain chemistry.
Several studies have found L-Theanine helps people to sleep more easily. [R]
vi.) Valerian Root
In Nature Valerian is a plant found native to Europe and Asia. Valerian root and other parts of this plant have a long history as a sleep aid for insomnia and other sleep disorders. As well as this Valerian is known to be a treatment for anxiety, depression, PMS and menopause.
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), one study showed significant improvement in the time it took to fall asleep, quality of sleep and duration of time spent sleeping. [R]
The sedative effects of Valerian Root are thought to be because it works by increasing the amount of GABA available in the brain. GABA as discussed above is an amino acid that helps to calm the brain and induce sleepiness.
vii.) Can Lavender Improve Sleep?
One popular plant found in sleep supplements is Lavendar. This has a long history of homoeopathic use and can be found growing all around the world. Often it is used as an essential oil and paired with steam for use in humidifiers but also is common in many household sprays. Common uses include anxiety, depression, digestive issues and insomnia.
One study of Lavender’s effects to improve sleep showed better sleep quality in participants. The group also showed improvement of their insomnia symptoms with no carry-over effect. At Wesleyan University in another study, 31 men and women inhaling lavender experienced an increase in slow-wave sleep (SWS) shown by standard brain scans.
VIII.) Lemon Balm
This is a lemon-scented member of the Mint family that is native to south-central Europe. It is also found growing wild in North Africa and Western Asia. Traditionally, it has been used for centuries to help improve Mood and Cognitive function. This in turn has also found that there are also benefits for stress and anxiety.
Ultimately, because of these effects, Lemon Balm has also been shown in studies as an effective remedy for Insomnia and Sleep troubles. This is likely because of its calming effects on the brain. [R]
IX.) Chamomile and Sleep
Well known for its reputation as a sleep remedy – Chamomile is a type of Daisy plant with many medicinal values. It has been used for centuries to treat a wide variety of human health disorders. Its mild sedative effects can be used to calm nerves, reduce anxiety, insomnia, and other sleep troubles.
Chamomile flowers are usually dried and drunk as tea. The flavonoids and terpenoids contained in the flowers affect certain receptors in the brain which create a hypnotic-like effect and can help induce sleep.
In one documented study 10 cardiac patients quickly fell asleep for 90 minutes after drinking chamomile tea.
X.) Ginkgo Biloba
Popularly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Gingkoa Bilboa is one of the oldest living tree species. The estimated age of Gingkoa Bilboa or the Maidenhair Tree as it is otherwise known is 200 million years old.
In homoeopathy, Ginkgo Bilboa has been known to help with various conditions including anxiety, allergies, eye problems, arterial health, and even tinnitus. As an ingredient Gingkoa is found in several types of dietary supplements such as Nootropics, Blood Pressure Support, Blood Flow and of course for deep sleep.
Gingkoa is believed to help with sleep troubles because of its anti-anxiety effects and its calming influence on the brain.
XI.) Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
One very important Vitamin that has many essential functions is Vitamin B6 aka Pyridoxine. It not only plays a large role in immune function but also in cognitive development. For sleep, it has surprising links to the development of both serotonin and melatonin. Studies have also found that it affects how well we remember our dreams and our ability to have lucid dreams as a result.
Being deficient in Vitamin B6 has also been found in studies to be responsible for both Insomnia and Depression. [R]
XII.) Ashwagandha in Sleep Supplements
Otherwise known as Indian Ginseng, Poison Gooseberry and Winter Cherry – Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub and part of the Nightshade family found native to India, Africa and the Middle East. Many Nootropics and Deep Sleep Supplements contain this ingredient. It has a long history in Ayurvedic medicine and it has many health benefits.
Even Cancer and Alzheimer’s disease are believed to be partially treatable with Ashwagandha but like several other ingredients I’ve mentioned thus far, it is known to treat anxiety and stress. Both of these treatments of can help induce sleepiness because of the calming effects and no doubt the reduction in Cortisol levels.
Cortisol can affect sleep because it can interrupt Melatonin regulation hence why so many of these plants can help. [R]
XIII.) Passion Flower
On the ingredients labels of numerous Deep Sleep Supplements, you will find Passionflower. This is a climbing vine found in the tropical regions of Central and South America. Traditionally it has a long history of use by Native Americans as a sedative and for the treatment of Insomnia.
According to some studies using passionflower extracts have been shown to have a hypnotic effect that induces sleep. Also, Passionflower may reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and increase the total duration of time asleep.
The exact reason why Passionflower can be so beneficial for sleep is yet to be known. However, it is thought this is because of the GABA receptors and their calming effects on the brain.
XIV.) Eschscholzia (California Poppy)
Lastly, another American plant commonly found in Sleep Supplements is the California Poppy (Eschscholzia). Found in the Western states and in Northern Mexico, the Californian poppy is related to the opium poppy although it differs because of the alkaloids inside.
By comparison, the California Poppy does not have the same toxic effects as opium. Although, it does have a history of being used for pain relief, stress relief and anxiety treatment.
Some studies suggest that the alkaloids in this plant become more potent when they bind to certain receptors. (S)-reticuline for instance may be transformed into morphine in the body. Yet, the low levels of alkaloids in the plants, meaning that it would take a higher dosage (above 1g) or a combination with other sleep-inducing ingredients for this to take effect.
Recommended Sleep Supplements
Just in case you’re wondering about some of the different products available… Check out this table below
| Product Name | Company | Ingredients | Price | Warranty | Website |
| Restful Sleep Formula | BrainMD | 5 | $39.95 | 60 Days | Click Here |
| Put Me To Sleep | BrainMD | 5 | $39.95 | 60 Days | Click Here |
| Resurge | Resurge | 8 | $49.95 | 60 Days | Click Here |
| Sleep Slim Tea | Pure Life Organics | 14 | $59.95 | 60 Days | Click Here |
| Pure Sleep | Pure Life Organics | 6 | $49.95 | 60 Days | Click Here |
| Sleep Support Plus | Vitabalnce | 19 | $29.95 | 60 Days | Click Here |
| Night Slim Pro | Night Slim Pro | 4 | $69.00 | 60 Days | Click Here |
| Deep Sleep Formula | HFL Solutions | 8 | $39.95 | 1-Year | Click Here |
In Conclusion
Above is a list of ingredients Found In Sleep Supplements. Of course, these are not the only ingredients that are added to these products but definitely, these are some of the most common. Melatonin is probably the first that comes to mind but what is more usual is the addition of things like 5-HTP (Tryptophan), Vitamin B6, Vitamin B3 and minerals such as Magnesium and Zinc.
Mostly, in sleep supplements, the purpose of the ingredients will either be to aid the production of melatonin or for the calming sedative effects such as with GABA and plants that affect the GABA receptors.
However, another purpose of these ingredients may be to lower Cortisol levels which itself can affect sleep.
Ultimately, a good deep sleep supplement will have a good mixture of these ingredients.
To find a good product to try definitely look for ingredients like 5-HTP and Magnesium but also be sure to look for positive reviews from other customers that have tried these products.
Related Article:
https://findsleephere.com/what-are-the-best-sleep-supplements-for-me
Your Feedback – Share Your Thoughts
What do you think of these 14 Ingredients Found In Sleep Supplements? Is there any that I have missed? How about the information that I have shared today are there any corrections that I need to make? Please let me know along with any questions you have in the comments section below.
Also if you know anyone or any groups where this might be good to share please pass on this link.
Many thanks for reading and #StayDynamic
Alex B. Chivers
DynamicIdeas4Life.com
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It is interesting seeing these ingredients like Ginkgo as I have been looking to get some sleep supplement for my granny and looking for something that is not going to have side effects. Is there a supplement you can recommend for her.
Hi Thabo, Yes I think a good one to maybe try is BrainMD Restful Sleep or HFL Solutions Deep Sleep Formula Hope this helps.