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Sleep Optimizer

Jarrow Formulas
4.2
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(2278 ratings)
GABA 100 mg
Valerian 400 mg
Melatonin 0.3 mg
Tryptophan 300 mg
Product Image
Score79
A substantial valerian complex and low-dose melatonin offer balanced bedtime support with tryptophan, GABA, hops, and lemon balm. Unstandardized botanicals and serotonin interactions are the main limits.
How scoring works
Quantity:60 Veggie Cap(s) • (30 servings)
Goals:
Sleep Support
Stress Relief

Score 79

A substantial valerian complex and low-dose melatonin offer balanced bedtime support with tryptophan, GABA, hops, and lemon balm. Unstandardized botanicals and serotonin interactions are the main limits.
How scoring works
$15.25($0.50 per serving)
Vitacost
$ 19.49
Daily Vita
$ 17.55
Amazon
$ 0.00
Pure Formulas
$ 19.49
iHerb
$ 15.25
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Analysis

The valerian root complex reaches 400 mg, providing the strongest botanical contribution. Melatonin is limited to 0.3 mg, a restrained amount that may suit people who find common multi-milligram servings excessive.

L-tryptophan at 300 mg, plus 100 mg each of GABA, hops, and lemon balm, broadens nighttime relaxation. The botanical complexes do not state active-marker percentages or extract ratios, so their strength is only partly assessable.

Two vegetarian capsules and favorable value make regular use practical. The formula fits users seeking broad bedtime support with low-dose melatonin rather than a high-melatonin sleep aid.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking nighttime sleep support
  • People who want several calming pathways in one formula
  • People who prefer low-dose melatonin
Best for
  • Bedtime relaxation
  • Sleep-onset support
  • Broad sleep support without a multi-milligram melatonin dose

Pros

  • Provides 400 mg valerian complex
  • Uses only 0.3 mg melatonin
  • Adds tryptophan, GABA, hops, and lemon balm
  • Offers favorable value

Cons

  • Valerian potency is not standardized
  • Tryptophan is modest for stand-alone use
  • Hops and lemon balm lack marker details
  • The combined formula may still be strongly sedating

Warnings

  • Tryptophan may interact with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, or other serotonin-raising medicines.
  • The combined sedating ingredients can impair alertness; do not drive after use.
  • Alcohol, sedatives, and other sleep medicines can intensify drowsiness.

Nutrient quality

85 Highest impact

The ingredient forms are clearly named but lack standardization and sourcing detail; valerian is substantial and the other actives are sensible for a combined formula. A low melatonin amount reduces dose intensity, though the combined calming agents can still cause drowsiness; every active supports sleep onset or relaxation; the concise blend contains no obvious decorative additions.

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Ingredient transparency

75 High impact

Every listed active has a specific amount; no proprietary blend hides key doses. Names are understandable, but the valerian complex and botanical potency details remain vague; serving directions and inactive ingredients are not included in the supplied details.

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Customer satisfaction

68 High impact

The supplied aggregate average is only moderate, and no individual feedback is available; the large rating sample improves confidence in the aggregate average, but no individual feedback is supplied. Detailed feedback is absent, so repeated complaints cannot be assessed; real-world fit with the intended purpose remains uncertain.

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Value for money

89 Highest impact

A coherent formula supports good value despite basic sourcing; the serving provides several relevant actives at a modest cost. No clear low-value extras inflate the blend; it is competitively positioned among multi-ingredient sleep products.

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Goals

Sleep Support
Sleep Support
Impact
Highest effect
A Goal FitB Strength of SupportA CoverageA- Formula Quality
Melatonin · 0.3 mg

Low-dose melatonin supports circadian timing, while valerian, hops, lemon balm, GABA, and tryptophan add several routes to relaxation. The formula covers sleep onset and nervous-system calming with mostly clear individual amounts.

Tryptophan is below a strong standalone dose and the botanical complexes lack detailed standardization. The combined sedative effects can increase drowsiness, so the formula should not be combined with alcohol or used before driving.

Study evidence
GABA Supportive 4 studies
Melatonin Supportive 181 studies
Tryptophan Mixed 1 study
Valerian Supportive 31 studies
Stress Relief
Stress Relief
Impact
High effect
B- Goal FitC Strength of SupportB CoverageB+ Formula Quality
GABA · 100 mgTryptophan · 300 mg

The multi-ingredient blend is well suited to stress that interferes with sleep, with valerian, tryptophan, GABA, lemon balm, hops, and low-dose melatonin providing complementary calming support. Its focus is nighttime recovery rather than daytime resilience.

Several amounts are modest, and the botanical materials lack extract or standardization details. Valerian, melatonin, tryptophan, hops, and lemon balm may cause additive drowsiness, so the blend should not be used before driving or combined with alcohol or other sedatives.

Study evidence
GABA Supportive 6 studies
Melatonin Supportive 21 studies
Valerian Supportive 18 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Valerian root Complex
400 mg
L-Tryptophan
300 mg
Hops strobile Complex
100 mg
Lemon Balm leaf Complex
100 mg
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
100 mg
Melatonin
0.3 mg
Adults 18–50 Vegan Vegetarian
Report overview
GABA · 100 mg OverallScore73
B- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA- Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyD- Value

The sleep blend provides a clearly stated GABA dose suited to a multi-ingredient formula, but it uses an unbranded standard form. A vegetarian capsule is a sound delivery choice, while the serving cost is high for the amount and type of GABA supplied. Melatonin, valerian, and tryptophan may cause additive drowsiness, so avoid driving after use and use caution with alcohol or other sedatives.

View ingredientView products
Valerian · 400 mg OverallScore69
F Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyB- Value

The clearly disclosed valerian amount fits the preferred root-equivalent range, and capsule delivery helps control odor. Active quality remains uncertain because the label does not identify the material as raw root, concentrated extract, or standardized extract. Valerian, melatonin, tryptophan, hops, and lemon balm may combine to increase drowsiness, making the formula unsuitable before driving or other alertness-dependent tasks.

View ingredientView products
Melatonin · 0.3 mg OverallScore57
F Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityB+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyC Value

The 0.3 mg melatonin dose aligns well with a low physiological range and may reduce the chance of morning grogginess. A standard capsule lacks rapid or sustained-release technology, and no independent purity certification is disclosed. Valerian, hops, lemon balm, GABA, tryptophan, and melatonin may add to drowsiness, so the blend should not be combined with alcohol or used before driving.

View ingredientView products
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76 Performance

Best-Rest Formula

Pure Encapsulations
<p>Branded L-theanine, active vitamin B6, substantial GABA, valerian, and several calming herbs create a technically strong sleep blend. Stronger sleep alignment or more substantial ingredient coverage improves the comparison with the original, while dose disclosure and multi-ingredient complexity still deserve attention.</p>
75 Performance

Ortho Sleep

AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Advanced
<p>A broad mix of sleep ingredients offers strong pathway coverage with clearly disclosed amounts. Stronger sleep alignment or more substantial ingredient coverage improves the comparison with the original, while dose disclosure and multi-ingredient complexity still deserve attention.</p>
77 Performance

Lights Out Sleep

ALLMAX
<p>A varied sleep blend provides useful valerian, GABA, melatonin, and active vitamin B6. Stronger sleep alignment or more substantial ingredient coverage improves the comparison with the original, while dose disclosure and multi-ingredient complexity still deserve attention.</p>
71 Budget

Sleep Essentials

Swanson
<p>Melatonin carries most of the likely sleep effect because the many supporting actives are lightly dosed. The lower serving cost retains relevant sleep-support ingredients, but the narrower formula does not reproduce the original’s full combination.</p>
68 Budget

Super Snooze Melatonin with Herbal Blend

Sundown Naturals
<p>Melatonin provides direct sleep support, while the accompanying herbs and minerals are mostly modest. The lower serving cost retains relevant sleep-support ingredients, but the narrower formula does not reproduce the original’s full combination.</p>
75 Budget

Sleep 'n Restore

Natrol
<p>Melatonin provides the clearest sleep support, while valerian and glutamine are supplied at modest amounts. The lower serving cost retains relevant sleep-support ingredients, but the narrower formula does not reproduce the original’s full combination.</p>
78 Value

Sleep

NOW
<p>Substantial valerian, hops, passionflower, and GABA create a focused nighttime calming blend. Relevant sleep and relaxation ingredients at a lower serving cost improve practical value, with narrower pathway coverage or incomplete extract details as the trade-off.</p>
72 Value

Power to Sleep PM

Irwin Naturals
<p>Valerian, ashwagandha, hops, lemon balm, passionflower, and melatonin create broad nighttime support. Broader sleep and stress-pathway coverage may justify the higher serving cost for some users, though the added complexity makes the formula less economical than the original.</p>
68 Value

Rest-ZZZ Melatonin-Free

LifeSeasons
<p>The melatonin-free blend combines several sensible calming pathways for nighttime use. Broader sleep and stress-pathway coverage may justify the higher serving cost for some users, though the added complexity makes the formula less economical than the original.</p>
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Sources

Published studies used for the product analysis and the top-ranked studies for each ingredient and goal.

  1. Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Bent S; Padula A; Moore D; Patterson M; Mehling W · The American journal of medicine · 2006
    Meta-analysis1,093 participants16 studies pooledSleep Support forValerian
  2. Does valerian work for insomnia? An umbrella review of the evidence.
    Valente V; Machado D; Jorge S; Drake CL; Marques DR · European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology · 2024
    Systematic review8 studies pooledSleep Support forValerian
  3. Safety and Efficacy of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid from Fermented Rice Germ in Patients with Insomnia Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial.
    Byun JI; Shin YY; Chung SE; Shin WC · Journal of clinical neurology (Seoul, Korea) · 2020
    Randomized trial40 participantsSleep Support forGABA
  4. Reduced γ-aminobutyric acid in occipital and anterior cingulate cortices in primary insomnia: a link to major depressive disorder?
    Plante DT; Jensen JE; Schoerning L; Winkelman JW · Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology · 2012
    Case-control study40 participantsSleep Support forGABA
  5. Meta-analysis: melatonin for the treatment of primary sleep disorders.
    Ferracioli-Oda E; Qawasmi A; Bloch MH · PloS one · 2013
    Meta-analysis1,683 participants19 studies pooledSleep Support forMelatonin
  6. Effects of melatonin on postoperative sleep quality: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis.
    Tsukinaga A; Mihara T; Takeshima T; Tomita M; Goto T · Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthesie · 2023
    Meta-analysis516 participants8 studies pooledSleep Support forMelatonin
  7. Oral intake of γ-aminobutyric acid affects mood and activities of central nervous system during stressed condition induced by mental tasks.
    Yoto A; Murao S; Motoki M; Yokoyama Y; Horie N; Takeshima K; Masuda K; Kim M; Yokogoshi H · Amino acids · 2012
    Randomized trial63 participantsStress Relief forGABA
  8. GABA Supplementation, Increased Heart-Rate Variability, Emotional Response, Sleep Efficiency and Reduced Depression in Sedentary Overweight Women Undergoing Physical Exercise: Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial.
    Guimarães AP; Seidel H; Pires LVM; Trindade CO; Baleeiro RDS; Souza PM; Silva FGDE; Coelho DB; Becker LK; Oliveira EC · Journal of dietary supplements · 2024
    Randomized trial30 participantsStress Relief Sleep Support forGABA
  9. Analysis of the Effects of Known Sleep-Support Supplements in Relation to Life Habits, Sleep Conditions, and Sleep Problems.
    Imafuku F; Yamamoto K; Tanaka E; Aoki R; Nishino S · Nutrients · 2023
    Randomized trial160 participantsSleep Support forGABA
  10. Melatonin treatment for age-related insomnia.
    Zhdanova IV; Wurtman RJ; Regan MM; Taylor JA; Shi JP; Leclair OU · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2001
    Randomized trial30 participantsSleep Support forMelatonin
  11. The Effectiveness of Melatonin for Sleep Disturbances in Parkinson' Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
    Yousef O; Abouelmagd ME; Khaddam H; Shbani A; Yousef R; Meshref M; Hanafi I · Journal of sleep research · 2026
    Meta-analysis409 participants8 studies pooledSleep Support forMelatonin
  12. Nightly treatment of primary insomnia with prolonged release melatonin for 6 months: a randomized placebo controlled trial on age and endogenous melatonin as predictors of efficacy and safety.
    Wade AG; Ford I; Crawford G; McConnachie A; Nir T; Laudon M; Zisapel N · BMC medicine · 2010
    Randomized trial791 participantsSleep Support forMelatonin
  13. Effects of exogenous melatonin on sleep: a meta-analysis.
    Brzezinski A; Vangel MG; Wurtman RJ; Norrie G; Zhdanova I; Ben-Shushan A; Ford I · Sleep medicine reviews · 2005
    Meta-analysis284 participants8 studies pooledSleep Support forMelatonin
  14. The impact of tryptophan supplementation on sleep quality: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression
    Clarinda N Sutanto, Wen Wei Loh, Jung Eun Kim · Nutrition Reviews · 2022
    Meta-analysis4 studies pooledSleep Support forTryptophan
  15. Standardized Extract of Valeriana officinalis Improves Overall Sleep Quality in Human Subjects with Sleep Complaints: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Study.
    Chandra Shekhar H; Joshua L; Thomas JV · Advances in therapy · 2024
    Randomized trial80 participantsSleep Support Stress Relief forValerian
  16. Comparison the effect of valerian and gabapentin on RLS and sleep quality in hemodialysis patients: A randomized clinical trial.
    Hajizadeh I; Jamshidi M; Kazemi M; Kargar H; Sadeghi T · Therapeutic apheresis and dialysis : official peer-reviewed journal of the International Society for Apheresis, the Japanese Society for Apheresis, the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy · 2023
    Randomized trial40 participantsSleep Support forValerian
  17. Efficacy and tolerability of valerian extract LI 156 compared with oxazepam in the treatment of non-organic insomnia--a randomized, double-blind, comparative clinical study.
    Ziegler G; Ploch M; Miettinen-Baumann A; Collet W · European journal of medical research · 2003
    Randomized trial202 participantsSleep Support forValerian
  18. Effects of a Valerian-Hops Extract Combination (Ze 91019) on Sleep Duration and Daytime Cognitive and Psychological Parameters in Occasional Insomnia: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial.
    Schicktanz N; Gerhards C; Schlitt T; Aerni A; Müggler E; de Quervain D; Papassotiropoulos A; Boonen G; Drewe J; Butterweck V · Brain and behavior · 2025
    Randomized trial40 participantsSleep Support forValerian
  19. Relieving occupational fatigue by consumption of a beverage containing γ-amino butyric acid.
    Kanehira T; Nakamura Y; Nakamura K; Horie K; Horie N; Furugori K; Sauchi Y; Yokogoshi H · Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology · 2011
    Clinical trial30 participantsStress Relief forGABA
  20. Cortical gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate in posttraumatic stress disorder and their relationships to self-reported sleep quality.
    Meyerhoff DJ; Mon A; Metzler T; Neylan TC · Sleep · 2014
    Case-control study45 participantsStress Relief forGABA
  21. Comparison of the effects of two amino acids, Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and L-theanine, on sedation, anxiety, and cognition in preoperative surgical patients - A randomized controlled study.
    Deshpande SS; Kurdi M; Baiju A; Athira AS; Sarasamma AG; Gangadharan AK · Journal of anaesthesiology, clinical pharmacology · 2025
    Randomized trial168 participantsStress Relief forGABA
  22. The impact of oral melatonin on pain and anxiety reduction during venipuncture in pediatric patients: a double-blind randomized clinical trial.
    Rahafard S; Akbari Jokar Z; Hosseini SA; Alaee E · Annals of medicine and surgery (2012) · 2024
    Randomized trial202 participantsStress Relief forMelatonin
  23. Comparison of Effects of Melatonin and Gabapentin on Post Operative Anxiety and Pain in Lumbar Spine Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
    Javaherforooshzadeh F; Amirpour I; Janatmakan F; Soltanzadeh M · Anesthesiology and pain medicine · 2022
    Randomized trial90 participantsStress Relief forMelatonin
  24. Melatonin for pre- and postoperative anxiety in adults.
    Hansen MV; Halladin NL; Rosenberg J; Gögenur I; Møller AM · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2015
    Meta-analysis774 participants12 studies pooledStress Relief forMelatonin
  25. Effects of melatonin intake on depression and anxiety in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
    Demirhan Kayacik A; İlcioglu K · Archives of women's mental health · 2024
    Meta-analysis441 participants5 studies pooledStress Relief forMelatonin
  26. Premedication effect of melatonin on propofol induction dose for anesthesia, anxiety, orientation and sedation after abdominal surgery: a double-blinded randomized trial.
    Norouzi A; Fateh S; Modir H; Kamali A; Akrami L · Medical gas research · 2020
    Randomized trial88 participantsStress Relief forMelatonin
  27. Effects of Passiflora incarnata and Valeriana officinalis in the control of anxiety due to tooth extraction: a randomized controlled clinical trial.
    Velasquez ACA; Tsuji M; Dos Santos Cordeiro L; Petinati MFP; Rebellato NLB; Sebastiani AM; da Costa DJ; Scariot R · Oral and maxillofacial surgery · 2024
    Randomized trial54 participantsStress Relief forValerian
  28. Effectiveness and safety of oral sedation in adult patients undergoing dental procedures: a systematic review.
    Araújo JO; Bergamaschi CC; Lopes LC; Guimarães CC; de Andrade NK; Ramacciato JC; Motta RHL · BMJ open · 2021
    Systematic review327 participants12 studies pooledStress Relief forValerian
  29. Effect of kava and valerian on human physiological and psychological responses to mental stress assessed under laboratory conditions.
    Cropley M; Cave Z; Ellis J; Middleton RW · Phytotherapy research : PTR · 2002
    Non-randomized trial54 participantsStress Relief forValerian
  30. Stress-induced insomnia treated with kava and valerian: singly and in combination.
    Wheatley D · Human psychopharmacology · 2019
    Single-arm trial24 participantsStress Relief forValerian