Supplement Success

Non-pharmaceutical sleep supplements are growing quickly as more is understood about specific ingredients and natural extracts.

While it’s important to address the underlying reasons for a lack of sleep – particularly chronic insomnia – by consulting a doctor, there are plenty of options that claim to help with occasional sleep troubles.

The inclusion of ingredients with purported adaptogenic properties is increasingly appearing in powders, pills and teas for sleep relief.

Adaptogens are herbal extracts, roots and mushrooms claimed to help your body respond positively to stress, anxiety, fatigue and overall wellbeing. Some have been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic healing traditions but offer little in the way of widespread scientific research on any benefits.

Adaptogens play a part in a supplement by Jeuneora that is gaining plenty of buzz. Just one of a number of new sleep-friendly snacks and drinks on the market, the brand’s

Beauty Sleep powder turns into a hot chocolate-flavoured drink to be taken before bed.

“The blend of adaptogenic mushrooms [reishi, maitake and shiitake] supports healthy energy levels and mood balance during times of stress, while also supporting your immune system and a more restful sleep,” explains Jeuneora founder Monique Kaminski, saying the inclusion of a pistachio extract supports the results.

Well-known supplement brand Blackmores has also recently fine-tuned its sleep range to include ingredients like valerian, lemon balm, and hops alongside magnesium and lavender to target specific challenges and now includes Deep Sleep, Fall Asleep and Beauty Sleep formulas. The latter also includes retinol, hyaluronic acid, collagen and Vitamin C to help nourish skin overnight.