A good night’s sleep can make all the difference between a great day and waging war on anyone who crosses your path. Hence why, in recent years, I’ve relied on (the best) sleep supplements to boost my chances of a decent eight hours.
But I’m not alone. A recent survey by Science Daily found that, pre-pandemic, Gen Z’ers slept an average of 7 hours and 26 minutes on weeknights — FYI, about an hour and 45 minutes less than the recommended 9 hours and 15 minutes.
Sadly, there is no ‘one size fits all’ formula for achieving the perfect night’s sleep. Most of us have tried blackout sleep masks, electronic diffusers, silk pillowcases and the like to upgrade our slumber, yet the struggle continues. Enter: sleep supplements.
“A quality sleep supplement can support the body’s natural ability to unwind, promoting a sense of calm and helping you ease into deeper, more restorative sleep,” explains Jessica Sepel, expert nutritionist and founder of JSHealth Vitamins.
Unlike sleeping pills, the sleep supplements and natural sleep aids are usually plant-based pills, gummies, capsules or tinctures made from a cocktail of slumber-enhancing vitamins, minerals, amino acids and botanicals. Think magnesium, ashwaganda, passionflower, valerian root or CBD oil. But, rather than working to knock you out, they can help prime your body for more peaceful, high-quality kip.
A reminder that if sleep issues are messing up your sleep schedule, it’s best to chat with your GP or a trusted healthcare provider about potential causes. But if, like us, you’re just desperate to switch off properly, then make space on your bedside table for GLAMOUR editor-approved sleep supplements. We’ve also answered some common FAQs on potential benefits and side effects so you’re fully informed.
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Disclaimer: Keep in mind that this article isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice, and our recommendations won’t replace a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet.
Meet the experts:
How we test sleep supplements:
Since 2022, the GLAMOUR team has made it a priority to personally test a host of sleep supplements, the best making their way into this edit. Our volunteers — writers and editors who differ in terms of their age, lifestyle and experience with wellness aids — trialled one each over a minimum period of six weeks.
During that time, they were asked to consider them against the following criteria: How easy they were to take every day, taste, efficacy (how long until they noticed a difference, if at all), value for money and dietary requirements — are they vegan and veggie friendly? Read on for the results.