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Genius Sleep Aid

The Genius Brand
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(2425 ratings)
Theanine 100 mg
Melatonin 0.5 mg
Product Image
Score76
A thoughtful low-melatonin blend is transparent and gentle, but modest glycine, uncertain rutaecarpine value, and a short supply hold it back.
How scoring works
Quantity:40 Capsule(s) • (20 servings)
Goals:
Sleep Support
Stress Relief
Brain Health

Score 76

A thoughtful low-melatonin blend is transparent and gentle, but modest glycine, uncertain rutaecarpine value, and a short supply hold it back.
How scoring works
$19.95($0.99 per serving)
iHerb
$ 19.95
Walmart
$ 21.99
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Analysis

The capsule uses low-dose melatonin with theanine and glycine for a gentler sleep-onset and relaxation approach. Inositol and rutaecarpine add secondary pathways without hiding amounts.

Glycine is modest for a dedicated serving, while rutaecarpine is less established than the core sleep ingredients. The formula's transparency is strong, but the two-capsule serving and short supply reduce practicality.

The product fits melatonin-sensitive adults who prefer a measured dose and want more than a single-active formula. Shoppers prioritizing glycine strength or value may prefer separate, simpler products.

Who is it for
  • Adults sensitive to higher melatonin amounts
  • People seeking a fully disclosed sleep blend
Best for
  • Gentle sleep-onset support
  • Low-dose melatonin routines

Pros

  • Low melatonin amount
  • Every active dose is disclosed
  • Includes theanine and glycine

Cons

  • Glycine amount is modest
  • Rutaecarpine role is less established
  • Short two-capsule supply

Warnings

  • Melatonin may still cause next-day drowsiness in sensitive users
  • Rutaecarpine has limited human safety information compared with common sleep ingredients

Nutrient quality

86 Highest impact

Conservative melatonin and useful theanine make the dose profile gentle and coherent. Underdosed glycine and limited rutaecarpine evidence reduce likely depth.

Ingredient transparency

81 Highest impact

Every listed active amount is disclosed, and no proprietary blend obscures the formula. Complete daily directions and inactive-ingredient details are not available.

Customer satisfaction

74 High impact

The aggregate satisfaction measure is favorable, with response volume determining how much confidence it deserves. Comment-level evidence is absent, so recurring complaints and purpose fit cannot be verified.

Value for money

57 Moderate impact

A distinctive, transparent blend partly supports the premium. Short supply and underdosed supporting actives weaken category value.

Report analysis

Goals

Sleep Support
Impact
Highest effect
A Goal FitA- Strength of SupportA- CoverageA Formula Quality
Melatonin · 0.5 mgTheanine · 100 mgGlycine · 1 Gram(s)

Melatonin, theanine, glycine, and inositol form a clearly sleep-oriented combination. The blend addresses circadian timing, nervous system relaxation, and body-cooling support through distinct pathways.

The low melatonin amount and useful theanine dose are well balanced, while glycine is below amounts often used for sleep. Full disclosure and a short ingredient list make the design easy to assess without obvious redundancy.

Study evidence
Glycine Supportive 3 studies
Melatonin Supportive 181 studies
Theanine Supportive 8 studies
Stress Relief
Impact
High effect
B- Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportB CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Glycine · 1 Gram(s)Theanine · 100 mg

L-theanine and glycine may ease mental and physical tension, while low-dose melatonin targets stress-related sleep disruption. The formula is more suitable for evening recovery than for managing daytime pressure.

The active amounts are fully disclosed, but glycine is below common focused sleep amounts and rutaecarpine has limited stress-specific evidence. Melatonin can cause drowsiness, so the formula should not be used before driving or other tasks requiring alertness.

Study evidence
Glycine Supportive 1 study
Melatonin Supportive 21 studies
Theanine Supportive 16 studies
Brain Health
Impact
High effect
C- Goal FitC+ Strength of SupportC CoverageA- Formula Quality

Glycine, L-theanine, and low-dose melatonin may indirectly support brain function through better sleep and relaxation. The formula is coherent for nighttime recovery.

Brain-health support is secondary because the design does not directly target memory, structural support, or daytime cognition. Glycine and inositol are also below commonly used standalone amounts for their respective pathways.

Study evidence
Melatonin Supportive 29 studies
Theanine Supportive 17 studies
Productivity Boost
Impact
Moderate effect
D+ Goal FitB Strength of SupportD- CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Theanine · 100 mg

Glycine, theanine, inositol, and low-dose melatonin may support next-day performance indirectly through better sleep. The formula is not intended to increase alertness or focus during use.

All ingredient amounts are clearly disclosed, and the calming combination is coherent for bedtime. Melatonin and the other calming ingredients may cause drowsiness, so the product should not be used before driving or safety-sensitive work.

Study evidence
Theanine Supportive 5 studies
Cognitive Support
Impact
Moderate effect
D+ Goal FitB- Strength of SupportD CoverageA- Formula Quality
Theanine · 100 mg

Glycine, L-theanine, inositol, and low-dose melatonin may support sleep quality, which can indirectly help next-day thinking. The formula is designed for bedtime rather than direct memory or attention enhancement.

L-theanine and melatonin have practical amounts, while the 1 g glycine serving is below a commonly used sleep amount. Melatonin can cause drowsiness, so the formula should not be used before driving or other tasks requiring alertness.

Study evidence
Theanine Supportive 25 studies
Mood Support
Impact
Moderate effect
D Goal FitC+ Strength of SupportD+ CoverageB+ Formula Quality

L-theanine and inositol provide calming support, while glycine and melatonin make the formula primarily sleep oriented. Better sleep may indirectly support mood, but the ingredients do not strongly target daytime mood regulation.

Theanine and melatonin are meaningfully disclosed, while inositol is far below amounts commonly used for mood-related purposes. Melatonin can cause drowsiness, so the formula should be reserved for bedtime and not used before driving.

Study evidence
Glycine Mixed 3 studies
Theanine Supportive 12 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
L-Glycine
1 Gram(s)
L-Theanine (Camellia sinensis leaf extract)
100 mg
Rutaecarpine (Evodia rutaecarpa, Powder)
100 mg
Inositol
100 mg
Melatonin
0.5 mg
Adults 18–50
Report overview
B+ Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyF Value

The clearly disclosed 100 mg L-theanine dose fits the preferred range and supports use in an evening formula. The tea-derived source is not standardized for theanine or tied to a branded purity standard. Melatonin can cause drowsiness, so the formula is best reserved for bedtime and should not be taken before driving.

Melatonin · 0.5 mg OverallScore55
F Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityB+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyD+ Value

The low melatonin dose is well aligned with gentle circadian support and may reduce the chance of next-morning grogginess. Standard capsules provide immediate release, while the two-capsule serving is less straightforward than a single-unit dose. The added glycine, theanine, rutaecarpine, and inositol broaden the sleep formula but only partly offset its high serving cost.

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Sources

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

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. Comparison Between Efficacy of Oral Melatonin and Oral L-theanine in Improving Sleep in Cancer Patients Suffering From Insomnia: A Randomised Double-blinded Placebo-controlled Study.
    Kurdi MS; As A; Ladhad DA; Mitragotri MV; Baiju A · Indian journal of palliative care · 2024
    Randomized trial120 participantsSleep Support forTheanine
  4. Current Evidence on Common Dietary Supplements for Sleep Quality.
    Esquivel MK; Ghosn B · American journal of lifestyle medicine · 2025
    Narrative reviewSleep Support forTheanine
  5. 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
  6. Exogenous melatonin's effect on salivary cortisol and amylase: A randomized controlled trial.
    Pachimsawat P; Ratanachamnong P; Jantaratnotai N · Pharmacology research & perspectives · 2024
    Randomized trial64 participantsStress Relief forMelatonin
  7. L-theanine relieves positive, activation, and anxiety symptoms in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-center study.
    Ritsner MS; Miodownik C; Ratner Y; Shleifer T; Mar M; Pintov L; Lerner V · The Journal of clinical psychiatry · 2011
    Randomized trial60 participantsStress Relief Mood Support forTheanine
  8. Effect of Combined Ingestion of L-Theanine and L-Arginine for Short-Term Psychological Stress in Young Adults: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study.
    Furushima D; Sugiyama I; Nomura Y; Unno K; Yamada H · Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology · 2023
    Randomized trial120 participantsStress Relief forTheanine
  9. Comparative Efficacy, Tolerability, and Acceptability of Donanemab, Lecanemab, Aducanumab, Melatonin, and Aerobic Exercise for a Short Time on Cognitive Function in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.
    Terao I; Kodama W · Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD · 2024
    Meta-analysis4,599 participants10 studies pooledBrain Health forMelatonin
  10. Melatonin for sleep and cognitive outcomes in older adults with cognitive impairment: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
    Mdluli NT; Banda KJ; Chang YC · Age and ageing · 2025
    Meta-analysis516 participants10 studies pooledBrain Health forMelatonin
  11. Add-on prolonged-release melatonin for cognitive function and sleep in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a 6-month, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial.
    Wade AG; Farmer M; Harari G; Fund N; Laudon M; Nir T; Frydman-Marom A; Zisapel N · Clinical interventions in aging · 2015
    Randomized trial80 participantsBrain Health forMelatonin
  12. Early Oral Melatonin Supplementation Supports White Matter Maturation in Preterm Infants: Neuroprotective Insights of an Antioxidant Molecule.
    Garofoli F; Asteggiano C; Minniti ML; Accorsi P; Albertini R; Angelini M; Aversa S; Ballante E; Cabini RF; Caporali C; Cociglio S; Franco V; Longo S; Malerba L; Materia V; Mazzocchi L; Naboni C; Palmisani M; Pullega C; Pisoni C; Preda L; Riboli A; Risso FM; Rognone E; Savini G; Simoncelli AM; Villani P; Tzialla C; Pinelli L; Fazzi E; Chiapparini L; Borgatti R; Ghirardello S; Pichiecchio A; Orcesi S · Journal of pineal research · 2026
    Randomized trial54 participantsBrain Health forMelatonin
  13. Efficacy and Safety of Melatonin in Migraine Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
    Abouelmagd ME; Aldemerdash MA; Khatatbeh AA; Osman ASA; Abbas A; Allam S; AlEdani EM; Aldemerdash A; Monteith TS · Current pain and headache reports · 2026
    Meta-analysis788 participants9 studies pooledBrain Health forMelatonin
  14. Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
    Hidese S; Ogawa S; Ota M; Ishida I; Yasukawa Z; Ozeki M; Kunugi H · Nutrients · 2020
    Randomized trial30 participantsBrain Health Cognitive Support Sleep Support forTheanine
  15. A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study to Investigate the Efficacy of a Single Dose of AlphaWave® L-Theanine on Stress in a Healthy Adult Population.
    Evans M; McDonald AC; Xiong L; Crowley DC; Guthrie N · Neurology and therapy · 2021
    Randomized trialBrain Health Stress Relief forTheanine
  16. Effects of Tea (Camellia sinensis) or its Bioactive Compounds l-Theanine or l-Theanine plus Caffeine on Cognition, Sleep, and Mood in Healthy Participants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
    Payne ER; Aceves-Martins M; Dubost J; Greyling A; de Roos B · Nutrition reviews · 2025
    Meta-analysis50 studies pooledBrain Health Cognitive Support forTheanine
  17. Assessing the effects of caffeine and theanine on the maintenance of vigilance during a sustained attention task.
    Foxe JJ; Morie KP; Laud PJ; Rowson MJ; de Bruin EA; Kelly SP · Neuropharmacology · 2012
    Randomized trial27 participantsBrain Health Cognitive Support forTheanine
  18. Effects of l-Theanine on Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Subjects: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study.
    Baba Y; Inagaki S; Nakagawa S; Kaneko T; Kobayashi M; Takihara T · Journal of medicinal food · 2021
    Randomized trialBrain Health Productivity Boost forTheanine
  19. Dose-response effect of L-theanine on psychomotor speed, sustained attention, and inhibitory control: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.
    Dassanayake TL; Wijesundara D; Kahathuduwa CN; Weerasinghe VS · Nutritional neuroscience · 2023
    Randomized trial32 participantsCognitive Support forTheanine
  20. Acute effects of theanine, caffeine and theanine-caffeine combination on attention.
    Kahathuduwa CN; Dassanayake TL; Amarakoon AMT; Weerasinghe VS · Nutritional neuroscience · 2018
    Clinical trial20 participantsCognitive Support forTheanine
  21. [Augmentation of antipsychotics with glycine may ameliorate depressive and extrapyramidal symptoms in schizophrenic patients--a preliminary 10-week open-label study].
    Strzelecki D; Kropiwnicki P; Rabe-Jabłońska J · Psychiatria polska · 2014
    Single-arm trial29 participantsMood Support forGlycine
  22. Markers of glutamate signaling in cerebrospinal fluid and serum from patients with bipolar disorder and healthy controls.
    Pålsson E; Jakobsson J; Södersten K; Fujita Y; Sellgren C; Ekman CJ; Ågren H; Hashimoto K; Landén M · European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology · 2015
    Cross-sectional study327 participantsMood Support forGlycine
  23. Erythrocyte glycine in depressed, hypomanic, and euthymic bipolar patients treated with lithium carbonate.
    Peselow ED; Deutsch SI; Stanley M; Banay-Schwartz M; Virgilio J; Fieve RR · Psychopharmacology · 1983
    Cross-sectional study27 participantsMood Support forGlycine
  24. l-theanine adjunct to sertraline for major depressive disorder: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
    Shamabadi A; Kafi F; Arab Bafrani M; Asadigandomani H; A Basti F; Akhondzadeh S · Journal of affective disorders · 2023
    Randomized trial60 participantsMood Support forTheanine
  25. The Effects of Green Tea Amino Acid L-Theanine Consumption on the Ability to Manage Stress and Anxiety Levels: a Systematic Review.
    Williams JL; Everett JM; D'Cunha NM; Sergi D; Georgousopoulou EN; Keegan RJ; McKune AJ; Mellor DD; Anstice N; Naumovski N · Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands) · 2020
    Systematic review9 studies pooledMood Support forTheanine
  26. 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 participantsMood Support Stress Relief forTheanine
  27. Anti-stress effect of theanine on students during pharmacy practice: positive correlation among salivary α-amylase activity, trait anxiety and subjective stress.
    Unno K; Tanida N; Ishii N; Yamamoto H; Iguchi K; Hoshino M; Takeda A; Ozawa H; Ohkubo T; Juneja LR; Yamada H · Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior · 2014
    Randomized trial20 participantsMood Support forTheanine
  28. Cognitive and affective effects of L-Theanine: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 31 randomized trials.
    Gerolymos C; Saddier E; Boyer L; Fond G · Molecular psychiatry · 2026
    Meta-analysis1,168 participants31 studies pooledProductivity Boost forTheanine
  29. Safety and Efficacy of AlphaWave® L-Theanine Supplementation for 28 Days in Healthy Adults with Moderate Stress: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
    Moulin M; Crowley DC; Xiong L; Guthrie N; Lewis ED · Neurology and therapy · 2024
    Randomized trial30 participantsProductivity Boost Stress Relief forTheanine
  30. Effects of L-theanine on cognition, mood and sleep: evidence from human trials.
    Cotter J; Kilpatrick HE · Frontiers in nutrition · 2026
    Narrative reviewProductivity Boost forTheanine
  31. Time for tea: mood, blood pressure and cognitive performance effects of caffeine and theanine administered alone and together.
    Rogers PJ; Smith JE; Heatherley SV; Pleydell-Pearce CW · Psychopharmacology · 2008
    Randomized trial48 participantsProductivity Boost forTheanine
  32. The effect of glycine administration on the characteristics of physiological systems in human adults: A systematic review.
    Soh J; Raventhiran S; Lee JH; Lim ZX; Goh J; Kennedy BK; Maier AB · GeroScience · 2024
    Systematic reviewSleep Support forGlycine
  33. New therapeutic strategy for amino acid medicine: glycine improves the quality of sleep.
    Bannai M; Kawai N · Journal of pharmacological sciences · 2012
    Narrative reviewSleep Support forGlycine
  34. The effects of glycine on subjective daytime performance in partially sleep-restricted healthy volunteers.
    Bannai M; Kawai N; Ono K; Nakahara K; Murakami N · Frontiers in neurology · 2012
    Clinical trial7 participantsSleep Support forGlycine
  35. 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
  36. 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
  37. 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
  38. 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
  39. The effects of L-theanine consumption on sleep outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Bulman A; D'Cunha NM; Marx W; Turner M; McKune A; Naumovski N · Sleep medicine reviews · 2025
    Meta-analysis897 participants19 studies pooledSleep Support forTheanine
  40. In Search of a Safe Natural Sleep Aid.
    Rao TP; Ozeki M; Juneja LR · Journal of the American College of Nutrition · 2016
    Narrative reviewSleep Support forTheanine
  41. L-theanine in the adjunctive treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.
    Sarris J; Byrne GJ; Cribb L; Oliver G; Murphy J; Macdonald P; Nazareth S; Karamacoska D; Galea S; Short A; Ee C; Birling Y; Menon R; Ng CH · Journal of psychiatric research · 2020
    Randomized trial46 participantsSleep Support forTheanine
  42. Oral supplementation with glycine reduces oxidative stress in patients with metabolic syndrome, improving their systolic blood pressure.
    Díaz-Flores M; Cruz M; Duran-Reyes G; Munguia-Miranda C; Loza-Rodríguez H; Pulido-Casas E; Torres-Ramírez N; Gaja-Rodriguez O; Kumate J; Baiza-Gutman LA; Hernández-Saavedra D · Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology · 2014
    Randomized trial60 participantsStress Relief forGlycine
  43. 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
  44. 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
  45. 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
  46. 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
  47. Anti-Stress, Behavioural and Magnetoencephalography Effects of an L-Theanine-Based Nutrient Drink: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial.
    White DJ; de Klerk S; Woods W; Gondalia S; Noonan C; Scholey AB · Nutrients · 2016
    Randomized trial34 participantsStress Relief forTheanine