Got trouble sleeping? Feel fatigue? Can’t recover properly? You’re not alone!
Lacking of proper healthy sleep can lead to serious health consequences both on the short and the long run! While for some rare people, getting up after five hours of sleep might be enough, especially those who train and work hard need way more rest and recovery than the average person in the Western world statistically gets.
Anyone experiencing insomnia over a longer period knows what I feels like to walk through life with you eyes half open, low energy reserves due to bad recovery etc. And while it can be completely fine to skip some hours of rest here and there to get going and leave your mark on the world, after little time skipping those important REM sleep hours over weeks and month is a sure way to wear down your performance in every aspect of life for the most people!
Now choosing Baldrian and Co. to combat sleeping problems we humans have done for centuries already which means the concept of a “little helper” before sleep is nothing new – but the sheer variety of potential helpers aka ingredients in different sleep supplements is! That’s why at BCR we tested countless supplements that might or might not improve your sleep depending on your individual needs.
Let’s find out together the ingredients that will work best for you & see which supplements contain them at what dosage, how the combination of these change the overall effectiveness & last but not least which fits your very own budget the best!
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Benefits of using supplements for better sleep
The benefits of using sleeping aids, especially those non-addictive and natural, even short-term can be staggering! While there’s definitely cases where you might need some chemical bomb to sedate you, in 99% of cases a good mixture and natural remedies will do the trick just as well & without the bad consequences that e.g. Zolpidem and Co. can lead to – namely worse sleep on the long run and of course addiction!
RestAgain: The Best Overall Sleep Aid
Restagain is originally from the UK and recently became famous on the US market as well for having a “Zero BS sales policy” which frankly we absolutely love and appreciate! The manufacturer behind the brand openly states that all you can do as a producer of supplements is figuring out the latest science on ingredients that might improve sleeping patterns, evaluate the optimal dosage and try to put as much of each ingredient into one pill as realistically possible. RestAgain also represents great value as trying to buy even half of the ingredients in here would cost you at least double the bottle price.
Ingredients of RestAgain
- Melatonin (10mg): By far the most effective natural sleep aid, melatonin is the hormone that your body produces to let you know it’s time to sleep. Supplementing melatonin has been shown to be none addictive and help regulate sleep wake cycles. It get’s to work in as little as 30 minutes, so you should only take it in the evening. Melatonin has been shown to work in doses from 5mg, so this is a great start for RestAgain.
- Vitamin D (15 mcg): Enhances mood, relaxation, and nutrient absorption for improved sleep quality and energy levels. Vitamin D deficiency effects almost half the US population, and seeing as it’s been shown to improve sleep in these cases, it’s a great inclusion. Another winning ingredient. (This is 100% of your RDI covered).
- Vitamin B6 (1 mg): Supports brain health, neurotransmitter function, and metabolism, while also promoting REM sleep.
- Vitamin B12 (3.7 mcg): Reduces fatigue, supports brain function, and aids in the production of red blood cells and testosterone.
- Ashwagandha (300 mg): Reduces stress and anxiety levels, enhances sleep quality, and offers additional health benefits like blood sugar regulation and muscle growth. And 300mg is actually the correct dosage for improved sleep. Multiple trials have shown that people who supplement ashwagandha wake up less in the middle of the night and get to sleep faster. It works by helping the body purge cortisol (the stress hormone).
- 5-HTP (100 mg): Is essential for serotonin production. Supplementing it has been shown to lead to better sleep, reduced anxiety, improved mood, and potential weight loss benefits.
- GABA (300 mg): A neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and reduces stress and anxiety, aiding in falling asleep faster. It’s also what your body uses to make melatonin, making it particularly useful if you wake up in the middle of the night.
- L-Theanine (250 mg): Supports a healthy sleep-wake cycle, reduces stress and anxiety, and provides additional cognitive and immune benefits.
- Valerian Root (300 mg): Interacts with GABA neurotransmitters to reduce stress and anxiety levels, promoting relaxation and faster sleep onset.
- Magnesium (250 mg): Helps relax muscles, promotes relaxation and calmness, and supports hydration and muscle function. 300mg is the ideal dose for improved sleep, but considering everything else in RestAgain is dosed perfectly we’re not going to split hairs on this one.
- Calcium (100 mg): Supports bone, joint, and heart health, while also promoting testosterone production and REM sleep. Even a small calcium deficiency (and subclinical AKA a minor deficiency effects 70% of Americans) has been shown to disrupt sleep in most people. As a result getting a100mg top up (which is about the average deficiency) is a really clever inclusion from RestAgain.
Key RestAgain Features
Aside from being the highest dosed sleep supplement on the market right now, there’s the fact that RestAgain offer a money back guarantee, have fantastic customer reviews and publish their 3rd party testing certificates, meaning that we know 100% the product is exactly what they claim it to be. All in all this is a very good product and we don’t actually have any complaints here.
RestAgain made it #1 on our top list of sleeping aids because it simply offers a formulation that is proven to be effective AND offers it at a price none of their competitors can compete at for now!
NooCube Sleep: The Best Sleep Aid Supplement Without Melatonin
Noocube Sleep is a natural dietary supplement that aims to improve cognitive function while sleeping, helping you to get a good night’s sleep, and wake up feeling refreshed and alert. While it’s not as good as RestAgain, it comes very close and therefore reached #2 in our toplist for sleeping aids. Let’s have a look at the featured ingredients and see how their combination might change the life quality of an insomniac for the better within reasonable time!
Noocube Sleep includes:
- Lemon Balm Leaf Powder: Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, has a history of use as a calming herb. Research shows that it can significantly increase calmness and reduce insomnia, particularly in individuals with anxiety and sleep issues.
- Lavender 4:1 Extract: Lavender, a distant cousin of lemon balm, is renowned for its calming properties. It affects the same brain area as prescription sedatives but in a natural, gentler way without addictive side effects. Studies indicate that lavender can improve restlessness and disturbed sleep.
- Vitamin D3 (Vita-algaeĀ® Vegan Vitamin D3): Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to poor sleep and insufficient sleep. Vitamin D helps increase melatonin levels, the hormone responsible for sleepiness, and regulates circadian rhythms. This vegan vitamin D3 is sustainably sourced from algae.
- Magnesium (as Magnesium Citrate Buffered): Magnesium is a relaxing mineral that calms overactive brain signals. It reduces the time it takes to fall asleep and improves sleep duration and quality. Magnesium citrate, which is easily absorbed by the body, is the preferred form of magnesium.
- Calcium (as Calcium Carbonate): Warm milk has long been a traditional remedy for sleeplessness. A study involving 4,548 individuals found a correlation between increased calcium intake and faster sleep onset. Conversely, lower daily calcium intake was associated with a higher incidence of insomnia.
Life before an after taking Sleep Upgrade
Regular Life without Sleep Upgrade
Imagine a person tossing and turning in bed, their mind racing with thoughts, unable to find a comfortable position. Their body is tense, and they feel anxious and agitated, unable to relax and fall asleep. They spend their nights staring at the ceiling, their mind a whirlwind of thoughts they can’t quiet.
When morning comes, they wake up feeling cranky, lacking energy and motivation. Their day is marked by exhaustion and a lack of motivation. They are irritable and easily frustrated with others, their patience worn thin by their lack of sleep.
Their health is compromised due to inadequate sleep, leading to various health issues such as weakened immunity, weight gain, and increased risk of chronic diseases. They experience premature aging signs due to lack of rejuvenating sleep, their skin looking dull and tired, their eyes marked by dark circles.
Upgraded Life with Sleep Upgrade
Now, imagine a person drifting off to sleep easily, their body relaxed and their mind peaceful. They enter a state of dreaming, their sleep uninterrupted throughout the night. When they wake up, they feel refreshed, their mood positive and they’re ready to tackle the day.
Their day is marked by a sense of refreshment and productivity, their energy levels boosted. They experience a fantastic sense of well-being and overall satisfaction, their mood stable and their mind clear.
Their health is optimal due to quality sleep, promoting a stronger immune system and overall vitality. Their body and mind are rejuvenated, leading to improved physical and cognitive performance. Their skin glows with health, their eyes bright and alert. They are the picture of health and vitality, all thanks to their upgraded sleep.
Prices and conditions for Sleep Upgrade
- Starter: Originally priced at $79.99, it’s now available for $64.99. This comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee and free shipping.
- Most Popular: This package offers 2 months supply plus 1 month free. Originally priced at $239.97, it’s now available for $129.99. This also comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee and free shipping.
- Biggest Savings: This package offers 3 months supply plus 2 months free. Originally priced at $399.95, it’s now available for $194.99. This also comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee and free shipping.
The company is confident about the effectiveness of Sleep Upgrade and offers a 60-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t experience “the best sleep of your life within 60 days of use”, you can return the unused product for a full refund. And since its negotiable what you consider the best sleep of your life, chances are youl will get your money back without any further questions asked!
Sounds good, doesn’t it? And it is!
If for whatever reason RestAgain might not fit your needs, we highly recommend giving Sleep Upgrade a try.
Natrol Gummies: The Best Budget Option
Natrol is a company that offers a variety of health products, with a focus on sleep, mood & stress, and brain health. They have a range of melatonin gummies designed to help users fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. These gummies are made with clean ingredients, are non-GMO, vegetarian, gelatin-free, and do not contain artificial flavors, sweeteners, preservatives and all the other stuff that is known to do more harm than good.
Some of their products include:
- Natrol MelatoninMax – A 10mg melatonin gummy.
- Natrol Melatonin Gummies – Available in 5mg and 10mg doses.
- Sleep+ Calm Strawberry Gummies – A sleep blend gummy to help calm an active mind and body.
- Sleep+ Immune Health Berry Gummies – A sleep blend gummy that supports immune health.
- Sleep+ Beauty Raspberry Gummies – A sleep blend gummy to help get better sleep and wake up looking refreshed.
- Kids Melatonin Berry Gummies – A berry gummy that helps kids fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
- Kids Sleep+ Calm Strawberry Gummies – A sleep blend gummy that helps calm an active mind and body in kids.
- Kids Sleep+ Immune Health Berry Gummies – A sleep blend gummy that supports immune health in kids.
- Melatonin Gummies – 5mg Travel Pouch – A convenient resealable pouch with strawberry gummies.
- Relax+ Night Calm Gummies – A gummy supplement to soothe nighttime stress and promote better sleep.
While there’s variations with 5-HTP, Zinc and Co., the main ingredient for most of Natrol’s sleeping aids is Melatonin. The maximum recommended amount of melatonin varies depending on the individual and the reason for use. However, doses between 1-10mg are common, and doses up to 20mg have been used in research settings. While these gummies are definitely effective and worth their money, as the primary ingredient is melatonin, you might as well try pure melatonin tablets first
While melatonin is not considered physically addictive, it’s possible to become dependent on it for sleep. In case you’re not sure about your risk of becoming (lightly) dependent on it, as always please talk to your doctor before!
Somnapure: The Best Sleep Aid on Amazon
Somnapure is a natural sleep aid designed to enhance the quality of sleep. Unlike many sleep aid supplements that are only available directly from the manufacturer, Somnapure has prioritized accessibility and convenience, making it widely available through various online platforms, including Amazon, Walmart etc.
The formula of Somnapure features a blend of well-known ingredients such as Valerian Root, known for promoting better sleep and aiding users in falling asleep more easily. One ingredient not featured in the majority of competitors is Lemon Balm, which is recognized for its sleep-enhancing qualities.
Another important ingredient in Somnapure’s blend is L-theanine, an amino acid that supports the brain’s natural sleep cycle. This ingredient promotes relaxation, helping users to get comfortable and ready for a good night’s rest. Even a small amount of L-theanine has been found to significantly improve sleep quality in both animals and humans, at least according to the latest studies we researched.
Another rather “special” ingredient in Somnapure is Hops, traditionally used in brewing ales and beers. Classified as a nervine, a herb that soothes the nervous system, Hops are used in a variety of applications, including soothing nervousness and anxiety, and even as a herbal, alternative treatment for insomnia. It’s been observed to significantly reduce sleep disturbance and waking in the night, patterns that are all too familiar to insomniacs.
Overall, Somnapure is a natural and safe sleep aid that can enhance the quality of sleep without causing harmful side effects. It is a natural supplement that can be taken regularly to promote restful sleep. The convenience and availability of Somnapure have earned it a place on our list of recommended sleep aids.
Customer reviews for Somnapure are generally positive, with many users praising its effectiveness in improving sleep quality. Some users have reported that Somnapure has helped them fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. They also appreciate that it is non-habit-forming and does not leave them feeling groggy in the morning. A bunch of users compare on Amazon that they have noted the taste of the product varies between batches, with some finding it unpleasant which means the best choice for “supplement gourmets” remains RestAgain!
Relaxium: The Best Calming Supplement
Relaxium is a sleep supplement that is designed to provide users with a better night’s sleep primarily through its calming effects. The formula contains a blend of natural ingredients that work together to help calm the mind and promote relaxation. The primary ingredient in Relaxium is Valarest, a proprietary blend of valerian root and hops. These ingredients are known for their ability to reduce anxiety and stress levels, which can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
In addition to Valarest, Relaxium also contains other natural ingredients that are commonly found in sleep supplements. These ingredients include melatonin, GABA, Ashwagandha, L-tryptophan, Magnesium, Chamomile, and Passionflower. All these ingredients work together to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality and it can be argued that sometimes even adding ingredients with debatable effects on sleep on their own might improve the overall formula by improving combined effectiveness.
Customer reviews on Amazon suggest that Relaxium can be effective in improving the quality and duration of sleep, but in comparison to RestAgain, way more users have reported mixed results. Some users have reported feeling more awake after taking the supplement, while others have found that they sleep more total hours, but not consecutively. It’s also been noted that the supplement can get stuck in the esophagus if not taken with enough water or food, reducing its effectiveness.
Relaxium Sleep undoubtly contains clinically proven ingredients that promote sleep and restfulness, but some of these ingredients were found to be under-dosed. Despite some red flags, Relaxium Sleep is still a good product, but we definitely recommend RestAgain over Relaxium!
Zzzquil: The Best Over The Counter Sleep Aid
ZzzQuil, also known as Vicks ZzzQuil Nighttime Sleep-Aid, is a non-habit-forming sleep aid designed to help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. The primary active ingredient in ZzzQuil is diphenhydramine HCI (50 mg per 30 ml dose cup), an antihistamine often used to treat allergies. This ingredient is known for its sedative effects, which can help induce sleep.
In addition to diphenhydramine, ZzzQuil contains inactive ingredients such as alcohol, citric acid, FD&C Blue 1, FD&C Red 40, flavor, glycerin, polysorbate 20, saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, sorbitol, sucralose, water, and xanthan gum. These ingredients can vary slightly depending on the specific product type and formulation.
ZzzQuil also offers a product line called ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs, which not only contains melatonin but also a unique drug-free blend of botanicals, including chamomile, lemon balm, valerian root, and lavender. This product line is designed to help soothe you into better, restorative sleep. The melatonin dosage in ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs melatonin gummies is formulated to deliver 1-2 mg.
While ZzzQuil is generally considered safe for short-term use, it can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, stomach upset, blurred vision, or dry mouth/nose/throat. If any of these effects last or get worse, it is recommended to tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To relieve dry mouth, one can suck (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and not to use it for more than a few nights in a row without consulting a doctor. Overuse or misuse of ZzzQuil can lead to more severe side effects.
When comparing ZzzQuil to melatonin, it’s worth noting that melatonin has an average rating of 5.8 out of 10 from a total of 233 ratings on Drugs.com, with 44% of reviewers reporting a positive effect, while 36% reported a negative effect. ZzzQuil, on the other hand, has an average rating of 2.8 out of 10 from a total of 66 ratings on Drugs.com. We still recommend it as a proper OTC sleeping aid but compared to our number #1 “FlexAgain” it becomes less interesting for most!
Effectiveness Comparison
Sleep Supplement | Ingredients | Dosage | Effectiveness | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
RestAgain | Valerian root, passionflower, melatonin, vitamin D, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, ashwagandha, 5-HTP, GABA, L-Theanine, valerian root, magnesium, calcium. | Varies for each ingredient | Proven to improve sleep quality and reduce time to fall asleep | Affordable |
NooCube Sleep | Lemon balm leaf powder, lavender extract, vitamin D3, magnesium, calcium. | Varies for each ingredient | Highly effective and ranks second on the list | Reasonable prices |
Natrol Gummies | Melatonin (in various doses), other natural ingredients depending on the product. | Varies (5 mg to 10 mg for melatonin) | Provides a budget option | Affordable |
Somnapure | Valerian root extract, chamomile flower extract, passionflower extract, melatonin, L-theanine, hops. | Varies for each ingredient | Natural sleep aid with good effectiveness | Widely available on Amazon |
Relaxium | Valarest (valerian root and hops blend), melatonin, GABA, Ashwagandha, L-tryptophan, magnesium, chamomile, passionflower. | Varies for each ingredient | Mixed reviews, but promotes relaxation | Offers money-back guarantee |
ZzzQuil | Diphenhydramine HCI (50 mg), various inactive ingredients depending on the product. | Recommended dosage is 50 mg of diphenhydramine HCI | Over-the-counter option with sedative effect, but may cause side effects | Widely available, but less favored compared to melatonin-based supplements |
Final Thoughts
If you’ve made it until this point, chances are you have a good idea about which sleep supplement works best for your needs and budget! And while reviewing and comparing these supplements before choosing one, it’s equally important to integrate the necessary lifestyle changes to experience the optimal improvement of your sleeping patterns. Don’t get fooled by cheap advertisements that offer magic solutions for any medical problem – and make sure to start with a natural remedy instead of going for chemical addictive substances first!