Many people experience sleepless nights, struggling to relax and achieve the rest they need to feel refreshed.
As a result, sleep challenges have become increasingly common, with a significant number of adults reporting less sleep than they desire.
In fact, according to the United Health Foundation 35.5% of all American Adults get less than 7 hours of sleep 1
Research into certain ingredients, such as melatonin 2 and valerian 3 root, suggests they may play a role in supporting healthy sleep patterns. However, it's important to note that quality and formulation of sleep supplements can vary significantly, making it important to choose products carefully.
Common Concerns with Sleep Aids
Sleep aids come in a variety of formulations, and their effectiveness can vary from person to person based on individual needs and preferences. Factors such as ingredient sensitivity, dosage requirements, or personal health considerations may influence how a product works for an individual. To make an informed choice, it’s important to carefully read product labels, understand the active ingredients, and ensure the product aligns with a persons specific needs.
So What Can a Sleep Deprived Person Do?
Don't panic—some natural ingredients found in sleep supplements have been studied for their potential to support sleep. We've listed some interesting ones below:
Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the body's internal clock and sleep/wake cycle. Some studies suggest that melatonin supplements may support sleep, particularly for individuals with disrupted sleep patterns2.
Valerian root extract has been studied for its potential to help support sleep, though individual results may vary3.
Amino acids like L-Theanine4 and GABA4 are important for many bodily functions, and may help support sleep. These amino acids are obtained through diet, and some people also use supplements to help meet their needs.
Flowers and herbs like hops, chamomile, and passion flower have been traditionally used in various cultures as part of a nighttime routine.
Note: Individual results may vary
Some users have reported concerns about the long-term use of diphenhydramine, including potential next-day drowsiness or grogginess 5. It's important to consult a healthcare provider if you are considering using it regularly for sleep, as long-term use may not be suitable for everyone."
Some sleep supplements may use lower doses of active ingredients, which might not provide the desired effect for certain individuals.
Many reputable brands focus on sourcing high-quality ingredients for their sleep supplements. It’s important to review ingredient lists and certifications to ensure the product meets your standards for quality
Some sleep supplements offer slow-release formulas that are designed to provide support throughout the night, though individual results may vary.
Certain supplements include ingredients that have been traditionally used to promote relaxation and support a calm state of mind
A money-back guarantee or hassle-free return policy can provide peace of mind when trying a new supplement. We suggest looking for long return policies and trial options.
How We Evaluated our 5 Featured Sleep Aids
Our review process starts by carefully analyzing the ingredients and leveraging research from credible studies. Next, we evaluate real user feedback from verified sources6 to ensure we capture authentic experiences. Here are the key factors we use to determine our ratings:
User Experience
Ingredient Research
Price Value
Customer Service
Top-Rated Sleep Aids of
What you need to know
The Avinol PM Extra Strength formula includes ingredients such as chamomile, valerian root extract, lemon balm, hops, and passion flower, as well as amino acids like tryptophan and GABA. These ingredients, combined with a slow-release formula, are designed to help support healthy sleep patterns.
Avinol PM is formulated to deliver its benefits in just one tablet per dose
Lastly, Avinol PM uses advanced extraction processes designed to help maintain the purity and quality of its ingredients.
What you need to know
Restorol is a natural sleep supplement featuring a proprietary blend of ingredients such as passion flower, lemon balm, hops, and valerian root, combined with amino acids like GABA and L-tryptophan. Its formula also includes magnesium, known for its calming properties. Restorol comes in a convenient tablet form and is backed by a 90-day money-back guarantee.
What you need to know
Dream Elements Liquid Drops are an herbal formula with a great taste and convenient liquid format. Its design may allow faster absorption compared to pills for some users. This product is an excellent option for those who have difficulty swallowing pills, as it can be added to any nighttime beverage, such as chamomile tea, to complement your relaxation routine.
Dream Elements contains magnesium, valerian extract, melatonin, hops, lemon balm, and kava extract—ingredients traditionally associated with stress reduction and relaxation.
What you need to know
Relaxium is a triple-action formula featuring nutrients and herbs traditionally associated with relaxation support. Its core formula includes 8 key ingredients, including Ashwagandha, an herb historically linked to sleep and stress support, though the dosage may differ from levels studied in some research.
Marketed as a premium brand, Relaxium focuses on a balanced formula designed to complement relaxation routines.
What you need to know
ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs Melatonin Sleep Aid Gummies combine melatonin, chamomile, lavender, and valerian root. This product is commonly found in local stores and made by Vicks which sells a number of different over the counter products. It contains soy and nuts so it may not be suitable for everyone.
Our Choice
Avinol PM Extra Strength
Avinol PM's herbal formula includes a blend of high-quality ingredients traditionally associated with relaxation and sleep support. The product uses a proprietary extraction process to help maintain the purity and quality of its ingredients.
- Formulated with high-quality ingredients
- Proprietary extraction process
- Money back guarantee
- GMP certified
- Made in the USA
- Hassle-free returns
References*
- https://www.americashealth-rankings.org/explore-measures-sleep
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33417003/
- https://link.springer.com/article-10.1007-s12325-023-02708-6
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi-full-10.1080/13880209.2018.1557698#abstract
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21105284/
- https://www.amazon.com/s?k=sleep+aids&crid=1EPITL9SV9TMU&sprefix=sleep+aids%2Caps%2C341&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov-pmc-articles-PMC3656905-
- https://www.health.harvard.edu-blog-common-anticholinergic-drugs-like-benadryl-linked-increased-dementia-risk-201501287667
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals-jamainternalmedicine-fullarticle-2091745
- https://www.alzdiscovery.org-uploads-cognitive_vitality_media-Diphenhydramine-Cognitive-Vitality-For-Researchers.pdf
- https://www.sleepfoundation.org/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov-pmc-articles-PMC6827862
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles-PMC6281147
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25061767/
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/whats-keeping-you-from-getting-a-good-nights-sleep
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/short-on-slumber
- https://news.harvard.edu-gazette-story-2023-02-lack-of-sleep-will-catch-up-to-you-in-more-ways-than-one
- https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-requirements
By Trevor Grant
Grant is a Madison-based health reporter specializing in medical research and public health education, contributing to AJPH, The Nation's Health, and other publications.
