Relaxium Sleep Ingredients

Formulated by sleep science experts, Relaxium Sleep harnesses the power of proven natural ingredients to help you fall asleep faster, sleep more soundly, and wake up rejuvenated. In this in-depth blog post, we'll explore the science and traditional uses behind Relaxium Sleep's key active ingredients. Read on to understand how this.

What are the ingredients in Relaxium Sleep?

Key ingredients in Relaxium Sleep include melatonin, valerian root extract, chamomile extract, passionflower extract, L-tryptophan, magnesium, GABA, and other herbs and nutrients to promote relaxation.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain that helps regulate our sleep-wake cycles. Levels of melatonin in the blood are low during the day and begin rising in the evening around 9 pm to promote sleepiness. Melatonin acts on specific receptors in the brain to reduce nerve cell activity, allowing the body to relax and prepare for sleep. As we age, melatonin levels may drop, resulting in disrupted sleep patterns and insomnia.

Supplementing with melatonin before bed effectively mimics the body's natural rise in melatonin at night. Multiple randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that melatonin decreases sleep onset latency (the time it takes to fall asleep), increases overall sleep duration, and improves sleep quality scores. A meta-analysis of 19 studies found that melatonin significantly improved many aspects of sleep in patients with sleep disorders. The 3mg dose provided in Relaxium Sleep gives the optimal boost for shifting the biological clock to nighttime mode without causing next-day drowsiness often seen with higher doses.

L-Tryptophan

L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid, meaning the body cannot produce it and it must be obtained through foods or supplements. L-tryptophan is needed as a precursor for serotonin synthesis in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that stabilizes mood and plays a key role in regulating sleep cycles. Low serotonin levels are associated with depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

Multiple studies indicate L-tryptophan has mild sedative-like effects. One randomized trial found that compared to placebo, L-tryptophan decreased the time it took to fall asleep in adults with sleep disorders. It also increased deep sleep stages without affecting REM sleep. Another study saw significant improvement in sleep quality ratings without any daytime drowsiness. L-tryptophan provides the essential building blocks for adequate serotonin levels, allowing better mood stabilization and normalization of sleep patterns. The 350mg in Relaxium Sleep supports healthy serotonin synthesis.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a cofactor involved in over 300 enzymatic biochemical reactions in the body. It plays vital roles in energy production, blood glucose control, blood pressure regulation, nerve transmission, muscle contraction, DNA and protein synthesis, and the cardiovascular system. Magnesium is required for the proper function of GABA receptors in the brain which promote relaxation and calmness.

Research shows there is a significant positive correlation between low magnesium levels and poor sleep quality. A systematic review published in Nutrients found the majority of studies reported that magnesium supplementation led to improvements in sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency, melatonin levels, and subjective sleep quality.

Magnesium exhibits mild sedative effects by inhibiting neural excitability and activating the parasympathetic nervous system. It functions as a natural calcium channel blocker, promoting muscle relaxation and slowing down brain activity to make us feel sleepy. Clinical studies utilizing supplemental magnesium citrate before bed resulted in decreased sleep latency and increased sleep time in adults with insomnia.

The 350mg magnesium included in Relaxium Sleep helps restore magnesium levels which supports its calming, sleep-promoting properties. Magnesium supplementation combined with the other ingredients works synergistically to create ideal conditions for restorative sleep.

Passionflower Extract

The passionflower vine was traditionally used by Native Americans to promote a restful sleep and as a natural stress reliever. Today, passionflower is still used for anxiety, nervousness, and insomnia. The flavonoids in passionflower extract exert GABAergic activity and function as benzodiazepine receptor agonists. Passionflower increases GABA levels in the brain, reducing neuronal excitability for anxiolytic and sleep-promoting effects.

In clinical evaluations, passionflower demonstrated effectiveness at managing anxiety and improving sleep quality scores. A randomized, placebo-controlled study found that one month of passionflower extract significantly improved overall sleep quality. The 150mg passionflower extract included in Relaxium Sleep harnesses its anti-anxiety benefits for uninterrupted slumber.

Chamomile Extract

Chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs used for treating insomnia and anxiety. The dried flowers of the chamomile plant contain a potent blend of bioactive compounds including the flavonoids apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin. Apigenin in particular exerts sedative effects by binding to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain which initiate sleepiness.

One study found that oral intake of 270mg apigenin resulted in significantly increased sleepiness and decreased sleep latency compared to placebo. Chamomile also includes chrysin, a natural anxiolytic agent that alleviates stress and tension in the body. Chrysin activates GABA receptors which induce relaxation and relief from anxiety that can disrupt sleep.

In Relaxium Sleep, 150mg of chamomile extract provides optimal levels of apigenin and chrysin to take advantage of chamomile's gentle tranquilizing properties. Apigenin promotes somnolence to reduce insomnia while chrysin eases worried thoughts and racing mind. The chamomile extract works synergistically with the other herbal extracts and amino acids in Relaxium Sleep to allow your mind and body to fully unwind before bed.

L-Theanine

L-theanine is an amino acid found abundantly in black and green tea leaves. It easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and exerts psychoactive effects on the brain. L-theanine has a chemical structure similar to glutamate, a key excitatory neurotransmitter, allowing it to influence glutamatergic signaling pathways. We recently mention L-theanine in many of the products mention in our 2023 guide to the best Nootropics for sleep.

L-theanine stimulates alpha brain waves which induce a deeply relaxed yet alert state. It increases levels of serotonin, dopamine, and GABA - all neurochemicals linked to improved mood and relaxation. L-theanine simultaneously decreases excitatory neurotransmitters like cortisol and adrenaline that can cause stress and sleeplessness.

Clinical evaluations demonstrate that L-theanine reduces anxiety, mental stress, and physiological indicators of stress after acute stressful tasks. L-theanine also improves sleep quality by shortening the time it takes to fall asleep and increasing deep, slow wave sleep stages. The 150mg L-theanine included in Relaxium Sleep complements the other calming ingredients to lower stress hormones and prime the body for restful sleep.

Ashwagandha Extract

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a traditional Ayurvedic herbal medicine that has been used for over 3,000 years for its restorative and rejuvenating properties. Ashwagandha contains a range of bioactive compounds including withanolides, alkaloids, choline, fatty acids, amino acids, and a variety of sugars.

The withanolides in ashwagandha exhibit neuroprotective activity by regulating neurotransmitters like GABA, serotonin, and acetylcholine that govern sleep and relaxation. Studies demonstrate ashwagandha's anti-anxiety effects by reducing cortisol levels, balancing stress hormone levels, and stabilizing mood.

In a 60-day randomized controlled trial, 300mg ashwagandha significantly reduced stress and anxiety scores by 44% and 72% respectively compared to placebo. Ashwagandha also improved sleep onset latency, total sleep time, and sleep quality. The 150mg ashwagandha extract included in Relaxium Sleep provides anxious insomnia relief.

Valerian Root Extract

Valerian root has been used for centuries as a natural sleep aid dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. The rhizome and roots of the valerian plant contain volatile oils including valerenic acids and valepotriates that exhibit sedative properties.

These active constituents modulate GABA neurotransmission in the central nervous system. Valerenic acid inhibits the breakdown of GABA leading to increased levels of this calming neurotransmitter in the brain. The valepotriates valtrate and didrovaltrate act as partial GABA-A agonists causing benzodiazepine-like sedation without risk of dependence.

Clinical research shows that 450-900mg valerian decreases sleep latency, improves sleep quality, and reduces nocturnal awakenings in those with mild insomnia. The 150mg valerian extract in Relaxium Sleep provides an optimal dose for improving sleep architecture without morning drowsiness.

GABA

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system that calms excessive nerve firings. It functions to reduce anxiety, relieve stress, and promote relaxation. GABA regulates sleep cycles and allows the body to transition from waking active states to sleepy inactive states.

Insufficient GABA activity is associated with insomnia, restless sleep, and disrupted circadian rhythms. GABA acts on GABA-A receptors causing increased chloride flux into the neuron which hyperpolarizes the cell reducing neurotransmission. This neuronal inhibition initiates sedative effects to make us feel sleepy.

Studies show oral GABA supplements increase non-REM sleep, decrease sleep onset latency by 5.3 minutes on average, and improve sleep efficiency compared to placebo. The 100mg GABA included in Relaxium Sleep activates GABAergic transmission to quiet the nervous system before bed.

Hops Extract

Hops (Humulus lupulus) are the female flowers of the hop plant which have traditionally been used as a sedative remedy for anxiety and sleeplessness. They are best known as a preservative and flavoring ingredient in beer. Hops contain a volatile oil comprised of myrcene, humulene, xanthohumol, and other polyphenols which exhibit sedative properties.

The myrcene in hops elevates GABA levels which induces relaxation, while 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol stimulates melatonin production to regulate circadian rhythms. Clinical research shows hops improves sleep quality in restlessness and sleep disturbances. The 100mg hops extract in Relaxium Sleep capitalizes on hops traditional sleep-promoting benefits.

Author: Thomas Riley

Thomas, a biohacker with a BSc (Hons) from Teesside University, shares insights, passion, and expertise on longevity, nootropics, and biohacking, catering to all levels of interest.

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