These single-serving packets include three active ingredients: GABA, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and, you guessed it, melatonin. 5-HTP is an amino acid that aids in serotonin production, and it's usually prescribed to help young children with night terrors. When used with GABA, a neurotransmitter that keeps your nervous system from getting too excited, researchers have found that it helps improve the quality and length of sleep, while also helping people fall asleep faster.
The powder can be added to hot or cold drinks 30 minutes before sleep, or you can just down it straight, like a sleepytime Pixy Stix powder. In fact, the powder (aptly named 'snoozeberry') tastes like the sugary confection, too. The powder form is especially convenient for redeye flights -- no extra liquids in your suitcase, or your bladder.
If you'd rather stay away from melatonin (some report having trippy dreams after taking it), try the fancifully named Dream Dust. Mixed with water, nut milk or herbal tea, it makes for a soothing, gentle nightcap. While it won't instantly knock you out, stress-relieving ingredients like jujuba, a natural sedative used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM); schisandra, an herb that promotes sleep and liver health; chamomile, which is thought to treat anxiety and lower stress; and polygala, an herb used in TCM to protect brain function, lull your body into a relaxed state.
We'll follow the French beauty revolution almost anywhere -- and that goes double in the name of sleep. This brandy-based (yes, the alcohol) formula is infused with a floral blend (known as Bach flower essences) of star of Bethlehem, white chestnut, red chestnut, aspen and verbena essences. We know the sleep-inducing powers of alcohol all too well -- and the restless, morning hangover that comes with it. However, there's a reason brandy is so often served as an after-dinner drink: It's thought by many cultures to promote sleep.
Just four drops taken directly on the tongue will help you get back to sleep in the middle of the night, or try four drops in a glass of water four times per day if you toss and turn on a regular basis. While the French label might be intimidating, you can find it (and a translated description) in the U.S. exclusively at Ayla.
While it's not as drool-inducing as a powder shot of melatonin, this balm is meant to help you relax, which always makes for a better night's sleep. Scented with bergamot, lavender, rosemary, ginger and balsam, it certainly promotes a feeling of well-being. Scientifically, the scent of lavender has been shown to have sedating effects in some small studies.
Regardless of the effect of aromatherapy as a sleep aid, the ritual of applying this balm (to your lips, temples, neck or face) does signal the body that it's time for bed, which can have a Pavlovian effect on your sleep cycle. At any rate, the olive oil, castor seed oil and beeswax base make for an incredible moisturizer and lip balm.
This essential oil blend is refreshingly not like your typical sleep-promoting aromatherapy concoction: you won't detect lavender in this little bottle. Meadowsweet, calendula and a hint of sweet citrus dominate the notes of this fragrance -- and fragrance, indeed, it could double for. The scent is strong enough to turn heads as you float your way to dream land.
