Introduction
Sleep is a vital component of overall well-being, and a good night’s rest is essential for optimal functioning. However, many individuals struggle with sleep-related issues such as insomnia, anxiety, and poor sleep quality. To address these concerns, numerous sleep aids have emerged in the market, each claiming to offer the ultimate solution for a restful slumber.
We’ve taken two contenders, Relaxium and Alteril, and pitted them against each other in an effort to figure out which one is the best, or if either of them are even worth your time and money.
If you’d like to find out who the best of the best is in sleep supplements check out our top picks from our Best Sleep Supplements article
Without further delay let’s get straight into it and start dissecting Relaxium’s formula:
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Relaxium – A decent but underwhelming sleep aid
Relaxium is a fairly standard, middle of the road option when it comes to sleep aids. It slightly under delivers in some areas which we’ll discuss in a moment, but is overall a decent sleep aid that will at least have some positive impact on your ability to sleep.
Let’s stop meandering and get right into the ingredients.
L-Tryptophan: Unlocking the Power of Serotonin and Melatonin
One of the key ingredients in Relaxium Sleep is L-Tryptophan, a type of amino acid that plays a crucial role in the production of serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and promotes relaxation, while melatonin is the hormone responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle. L-Tryptophan has been shown to have potential benefits in alleviating insomnia and improving sleep quality [1]. Additionally, it may also have a positive impact on conditions such as depression and anxiety.
The recommended dosage for L-Tryptophan is typically around 60mg, with 500mg falling within the safe range. However, it’s important to note that more is not always better when it comes to this ingredient, and this bloated dosage has left us scratching our heads a bit, especially with how under dosed some of the later ingredients are.
Valerian Root & Hops: A Gimmicky Combination?
Valerian Root and Hops are two ingredients often found in sleep aids due to their potential sleep-promoting properties. Valerian Root, in particular, has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for sleep disorders. It is known to induce relaxation and has shown some effectiveness in improving sleep quality [2]. However, it may also cause nausea in certain individuals.
When it comes to Hops extract, the story is a bit different. While it contains compounds that are responsible for sedative effects, such as alpha-humulene and beta-caryophyllene, it needs to be dosed in larger quantities to have a significant impact on sleep. The 28mg dosage found in Relaxium Sleep is unlikely to yield substantial results. It is possible that the inclusion of Hops in this formula is more of a marketing tactic than a truly effective ingredient.
Overall, while Valerian Root can be considered a decent sleep aid, the combination with Hops in Relaxium Sleep raises questions about the effectiveness of both ingredients. As far as we see it, it would have been more beneficial to prioritize a properly dosed Valerian Root or explore alternative options.
Ashwagandha: A Promising Ingredient with a Disappointing Dosage
Ashwagandha, an herb commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, has been gaining attention for its potential sleep-improving properties. Studies have shown that Ashwagandha can help reduce stress and improve sleep quality when taken at a dosage of around 600mg [3]. Unfortunately, the dosage of Ashwagandha in Relaxium Sleep falls significantly short of this recommended amount, making it unlikely to have a significant impact on sleep.
While Ashwagandha could have been a great addition to the sleep aid formula, the insufficient dosage in Relaxium Sleep is a major drawback. It is important to consider the efficacy of the ingredients in the product and ensure that they are included at appropriate dosages to deliver the desired results, and here they’ve dropped the ball unfortunately.
GABA: The Brain’s Natural Relaxation Regulator
GABA, short for gamma-aminobutyric acid, is a neurotransmitter found in the brain and spinal cord. It plays a crucial role in regulating brain activity, promoting relaxation, and reducing stress. GABA has been shown to promote deep sleep and has additional benefits for anxiety, depression, and migraines [4]. It is a common ingredient in many sleep aids and nootropics due to its ability to promote relaxation without causing drowsiness.
However, the dosage of GABA in Relaxium Sleep may be a cause for concern. To experience its full benefits, GABA is typically most effective at dosages ranging from 200mg to 500mg. As much as we’re sounding like a broken record, the 100mg dosage in Relaxium Sleep falls below this range, potentially limiting its effectiveness as a sleep aid.
Chamomile Extract: A Popular Herbal Remedy
Chamomile is a well-known herb that has been used for centuries to promote relaxation, calm nerves, and aid in sleep. When consumed as a tea, chamomile has been proven to have sleep-enhancing properties. However, the evidence supporting its effectiveness in supplement form is limited [5]. While chamomile extract is a common inclusion in sleep health supplements, it is important to note that its efficacy may not be as strong as when consumed in tea form.
The inclusion of chamomile extract in Relaxium Sleep is understandable, given its historical use as a sleep aid. However, it is worth considering the limited evidence supporting its effectiveness. We reckon it’s here for the marketing, as it’s a recognisable ingredient for consumers to latch onto.
Passionflower: An Old Wives’ Tale or Legitimate Sleep Aid?
Passionflower is another ingredient commonly associated with sleep and relaxation. While it has been used as a traditional remedy for anxiety, the evidence supporting its effectiveness as a direct sleep aid is limited [6]. It is important to note that passionflower is generally considered safe for consumption, with the exception of pregnant individuals.
In the case of Relaxium Sleep, the dosage of passionflower falls within a safe range, but again its worth noting that other ingredients with stronger sleep-promoting properties may have been more effective choices. The inclusion of passionflower in this sleep aid is similar to chamomile, as it’s another recognisable ingredient for most people.
Melatonin: The Sleep-Wake Cycle Regulator
This is one of the things Relaxium really gets right. Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It plays a crucial role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, signaling the body when it’s time to sleep. Melatonin is a widely recognized and well-backed sleep aid, often prescribed in many countries for individuals struggling with sleep disorders [7]. The recommended dosage for melatonin ranges from 3mg to 10mg, with 5mg falling within the effective range.
In the case of Relaxium Sleep, the inclusion of 5mg of melatonin aligns with the recommended dosage and provides a promising ingredient for promoting sleep. Its presence in the formula adds credibility to the sleep aid’s effectiveness.
Evaluating the Ingredient Profile of Relaxium Sleep
In summary, Relaxium Sleep contains a combination of ingredients that vary in quality. While some ingredients, such as L-Tryptophan and melatonin, have promising scientific backing, others, such as Ashwagandha and GABA, could benefit from higher dosages to optimize their effectiveness. The inclusion of Valerian Root, Hops, chamomile extract, and passionflower raises questions about the prioritization of ingredients with stronger scientific support.
While Relaxium Sleep should offer some benefits for individuals seeking a natural sleep aid, it’s far from an impressive showing. If you’ve bought it and it works for you then that’s great news, but for some it may come up short and with that in mind we’re cautious to fully recommend the product.
Mind you, this isn’t just a review of Relaxium, so let’s see how the competition stands.
Alteril: A Deep Dive into its Ingredients and Usage
Now we’re not going to mince words here, but these two sleep aids are basically identical, with minor differences of dosing and Relaxium has some extra ingredients in there. With that in mind we won’t go into too much detail on each ingredient here, but will instead discuss the dosing and how it differs from Relaxium.
Melatonin: The Sleep Hormone
As we previously discussed, Melatonin is a hormone that our bodies naturally produce when it’s time to wind down and go to bed. Alteril incorporates this hormone into its formulation which is a smart move as it is generally well-received and effective.
Relaxium contains 5mg of melatonin, whereas Alteril contains 10mg. The question now is, is more really better? Well you’ll certainly feel more sleepy and faster, but melatonin has been linked to side effects such as waking up with headaches, waking up confused, and generally feeling a bit groggy in the morning.
That being said, 10mg is considered a safe dosage, and despite being intuitive, it’s not entirely clear whether this step up will increase the likelihood of these side effects.
With all of this in mind, we’ll have to look at the rest of the formula to see which sleep aid is better overall.
L Tryptophan: A Mixed Bag
We’ve already spoke about L Tryptophan and know it is a component known for its role in releasing serotonin, a hormone that helps regulate mood and sleep.
200mg is the dosage here which is 300mg less than we had in Relaxium, but as we stated there it’s not necessarily more that is better with this ingredient, so this gives a clear point towards Alteril.
Valerian Root and Chamomile Extract: The Proprietary Blend
Alteril includes a proprietary blend of valerian root and chamomile extract totalling 60mg. Valerian root is a well-recognized sleep aid, but the dosage in Alteril might be too low to make a significant difference and when compared to the 200mg in Relaxium, it leaves a lot to be desired.
The chamomile is likely once again here just for how recognisable it is. It’s not very well supported in any significant or scientific ways, and though it isn’t an ingredient we’re necessarily unhappy to see, perhaps the effort and money spent on including it could have gone to better ingredients.
Which One Should You Choose – Relaxium or Alteril?
After a thorough comparison, review, critique, and test of Relaxium and Alteril, it is safe to say that both are decent sleep aids but neither are particularly fantastic. That being said, it’s like this: if your problems with sleep aren’t much of an issue, maybe Alteril should be your choice as it’s very cheap.
Relaxium is a more reliable option however, containing ingredients such as valerian root, chamomile, and passionflower. It also has a good dosage of melatonin, which although is lower than Alterils 10mg offering should still provide positive results, and then more options for helping you to relax and get into that natural sleepy state.
Once again though there are far better options out there and if what you’re really looking for is the best of the best then we once again urge you to check out our list of the Best Sleep Supplements that are available today.
Why Is Sleep So Important?
1 – Rest and Restoration: Sleep provides a period of rest and rejuvenation for the body and mind. During sleep, the body undergoes processes of repair, growth, and cellular regeneration. It helps restore energy levels and prepares the body for the next day.
2 – Physical Health: Quality sleep is essential for maintaining good physical health. It supports proper immune system functioning, helps regulate hormone levels, and promotes healthy growth and development. Sleep is also linked to a reduced risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
3 – Cognitive Functioning: Sleep plays a crucial role in cognitive processes such as memory consolidation, learning, and problem-solving. It helps improve attention, concentration, and creativity. Sufficient sleep is associated with better cognitive performance, mental clarity, and decision-making abilities.
4 – Emotional Well-being: Adequate sleep is closely linked to emotional well-being and mental health. It helps regulate mood and emotions, and a lack of sleep can contribute to increased irritability, mood swings, and a higher risk of developing mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
5 – Physical Performance: Sleep is important for athletes and individuals involved in physical activities. It helps optimize athletic performance, reaction times, and coordination. Proper sleep also aids in muscle recovery and repair, reducing the risk of injuries.
6 – Hormonal Balance: Sleep is closely tied to hormonal regulation. It helps maintain a balance of hormones such as cortisol (stress hormone), growth hormone, insulin, and leptin (hunger-regulating hormone). Disruptions in sleep patterns can lead to hormonal imbalances, affecting appetite, metabolism, and overall health.
7 – Overall Productivity and Quality of Life: When well-rested, individuals tend to be more productive, alert, and focused. Quality sleep contributes to improved work performance, better concentration, and enhanced overall productivity. It also supports a better quality of life, allowing individuals to engage in daily activities with energy and vitality.
How Can I Best Improve Sleep Hygiene?
Improving sleep hygiene involves adopting habits and practices that promote healthy and restful sleep. Here are some effective ways to improve sleep hygiene:
1 – Stick to a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Establish a regular sleep routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, including weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock and promotes better sleep quality.
2 – Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Engage in relaxing activities before bed to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. This may include reading a book, taking a warm bath, practicing gentle stretching or yoga, or listening to calming music.
3 – Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Make your bedroom conducive to sleep by ensuring it is dark, quiet, and cool. Consider using earplugs, eye shades, or white noise machines to block out distractions. Invest in a comfortable mattress, pillows, and bedding that suit your preferences.
4 – Limit Exposure to Electronic Devices: Avoid using electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops, for at least an hour before bed. The blue light emitted by these devices can interfere with your natural sleep-wake cycle. Instead, engage in relaxing activities that don’t involve screens.
5 – Avoid Stimulants and Heavy Meals: Limit your consumption of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, especially close to bedtime. These substances can disrupt sleep patterns and affect sleep quality. Additionally, avoid heavy meals and large amounts of fluids close to bedtime to minimize discomfort and the need for nighttime bathroom visits.
6 – Establish a Relaxing Sleep Environment: Create a comfortable and peaceful sleep environment by ensuring your bed and bedding are clean and cozy. Use relaxing scents, such as lavender, or try aromatherapy to promote relaxation.
7 – Engage in Regular Physical Activity: Regular exercise during the day can help improve sleep quality. However, avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime, as it may increase alertness and make it more difficult to fall asleep.
8 – Manage Stress and Anxiety: Practice stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or journaling, to help calm your mind before bed. If you find it challenging to cope with stress or anxiety, consider seeking professional help or counseling.
9 -Avoid Napping Too Late or Too Long: If you nap during the day, keep it short (around 20-30 minutes) and avoid napping too close to your bedtime. Napping too late or for too long can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle.
10 – Evaluate Your Sleep Environment: If you continue to struggle with sleep despite making changes to your sleep hygiene habits, consider consulting a healthcare professional. They can help identify any underlying sleep disorders or provide additional guidance on improving your sleep hygiene.
Remember, it may take time for your body to adjust to new sleep habits. Be consistent and patient, and over time, you should notice improvements in your sleep quality and overall well-being.