Sleep
NOW
Sleep
4.3
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(4327 ratings)
GABA 200 mg
Valerian 600 mg
Score 80.0
A popular and effective herbal blend for sleep, stress, and mood support featuring Valerian, Hops, Passionflower, and GABA at good dosages and a competitive price.
Quantity: 90 Capsule(s)Servings size: 1 Veg Capsule(s) (45 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Stress Relief
Mood Support
Sleep Support
leaderboard Score 80.0
A popular and effective herbal blend for sleep, stress, and mood support featuring Valerian, Hops, Passionflower, and GABA at good dosages and a competitive price.
insights Analysis
NOW Sleep (ID 135568) is formulated as a capsule-based supplement aiming to support stress relief, mood, and sleep. It contains 600mg of Valerian root extract (standardized for Valerenic Acids), 300mg of Hops, 200mg of Passionflower extract (standardized for Flavonoids), and 200mg of GABA. Valerian, Hops, and Passionflower are well-known botanicals used for their sedative and anxiolytic properties. Valerian is one of the most studied herbs for sleep. Hops is often combined with Valerian to enhance relaxation. Passionflower is traditionally used for anxiety and insomnia. GABA is a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation, though its oral bioavailability and direct impact on brain GABA levels are subjects of ongoing scientific discussion among nutritionists; however, many users report benefits. The dosages provided in this product for the herbal extracts are considered effective ranges for promoting relaxation and sleep. With over 4000 reviews, it's a popular and generally well-received product online.
- Contains a synergistic blend of well-researched traditional calming herbs including Valerian, Hops, and Passionflower.
- Provides effective dosages of Valerian root extract (600mg) and Hops (300mg) for relaxation and sleep support.
- Includes GABA, a popular ingredient for promoting relaxation, which many users find beneficial despite debates on its oral bioavailability.
- Highly rated with a large number of positive online reviews, indicating broad user satisfaction.
- Offers good value for money with a competitive price per serving ($0.15).
- The oral bioavailability of GABA is a debated topic among some nutritionists, suggesting its direct brain effect might be limited for some individuals.
- May cause drowsiness, making it unsuitable for daytime use or before activities requiring alertness.
- Individual responses to herbal supplements can vary significantly, so efficacy is not guaranteed for everyone.
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after consuming this product.
- Consult your healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.
- Keep out of reach of children.
$13.87($0.30 per serving)
 Amazon | $ 13.87 | |
 Vitacost | $ 15.49 | |
 Daily Vita | $ 15.60 | |
 Pure Formulas | $ 16.06 | |
 iHerb | $ 16.52 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
Some research suggests Valerian root may help improve sleep quality, particularly for individuals with insomnia. Its effects are often described as mild and can take several weeks to become noticeable. However, study results on its efficacy are mixed.
The effectiveness of oral GABA supplements for reducing anxiety is a topic of ongoing research. While GABA is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter, it is believed that orally ingested GABA may not easily cross the blood-brain barrier in significant amounts. Some studies suggest a potential calming effect, but more evidence is needed.
Some preliminary studies indicate that GABA supplements might help improve sleep latency and quality in certain individuals. However, the exact mechanism by which oral GABA might affect sleep, given its limited ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, is still being investigated.
While Valerian is sometimes used for anxiety, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited and inconsistent. Some studies show a mild anxiolytic effect, but more robust research is needed to confirm its benefits for anxiety.
Both Valerian and GABA supplements are individually used for sleep support. While Valerian is believed to modulate GABAergic activity, there is limited specific research on the combined efficacy of supplemental Valerian and oral GABA for sleep compared to individual use.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
Common dosages for Valerian root extract for sleep typically range from 300 mg to 600 mg. It is often taken 30 minutes to 2 hours before bedtime.
Valerian is typically recommended to be taken about 30 minutes to 2 hours before an individual intends to sleep. This timing allows the active compounds to be absorbed. Some people might take it earlier for general relaxation.
Typical dosages for Valerian root extracts range from 400 to 900 mg, taken 30 minutes to 2 hours before bedtime. This can depend on the extract strength and individual needs. Always refer to product-specific labeling for guidance.
The effects of Valerian may not be immediate; some individuals report feeling effects within 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption. Consistent use over several days or weeks might be necessary for some to observe full benefits. Individual responses can vary.
Valerian supplements are available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, and tea bags. Capsules and tablets are the most common, offering standardized dosages. Liquid extracts may offer faster absorption.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
Both Valerian and GABA are known for their calming properties, and combining them may lead to additive effects, particularly increased drowsiness or sedation. While there isn't extensive research on their combined use, caution is advised. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before combining these supplements.
Yes, combining Valerian and GABA may lead to an increased risk of drowsiness and sedation due to their similar mechanisms of action in promoting relaxation. This effect can impair the ability to perform tasks requiring alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. Users should assess their individual response carefully.
Yes, Valerian can enhance the effects of other central nervous system depressants, including alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other sedatives. Combining Valerian with these substances may lead to increased drowsiness or sedation. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before combining them.
Valerian is generally well-tolerated, but some individuals may experience mild side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, upset stomach, or headache. These effects are usually temporary and mild. It's advisable to start with a lower dose to assess individual tolerance.
While generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience mild side effects such as stomach upset, headache, or drowsiness, especially at higher doses. It's important to follow recommended dosages to minimize these effects. If side effects persist, discontinuing use is advised.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Valerian root extract | 600 mg |
Hops | 300 mg |
Passionflower extract | 200 mg |
GABA | 200 mg |
Categories
Valerian 90.0
The product provides a substantial 600mg dose of Valerian root extract, standardized to Valerenic Acids, which is an effective and well-studied amount for sleep and anxiety support. This high concentration ensures robust therapeutic potential from this key ingredient.
GABA 75.0
While the 200mg dose of GABA is common in calming supplements and many users report benefits, the scientific community has ongoing discussions regarding the extent of orally administered GABA's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier directly. However, it likely contributes to overall relaxation through indirect mechanisms or peripheral effects.
Goals
Sleep Support 90.0
Valerian root extract, Hops, and Passionflower are extensively used for their sedative properties and ability to improve sleep quality and latency. This blend is specifically potent for addressing sleep disturbances by promoting relaxation necessary for a restful night.
Stress Relief 85.0
The combination of Valerian, Passionflower, and Hops is well-regarded for their anxiolytic properties, effectively contributing to stress reduction. GABA also aims to calm the nervous system, which is beneficial for alleviating stress and promoting a sense of tranquility.
Mood Support 80.0
The ingredients like Valerian and Passionflower have mild mood-stabilizing effects by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, which can indirectly uplift mood. GABA's role in calming the nervous system also contributes to a more balanced emotional state, supporting overall mood.
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For those prioritizing the core sleep herbs, this alternative offers significantly higher and standardized doses of Valerian (500mg extract), Chamomile (500mg extract), and Hops (660mg extract) compared to NOW Sleep. Its focused, high-potency approach makes it a potentially more effective choice for strong herbal sleep induction, justifying its higher price per serving.