Product Image

Sleep Optimizer

Jarrow Formulas
4.2
(2279 ratings)
GABA 100 mg
Tryptophan 300 mg
Melatonin 0.3 mg
Valerian 400 mg
Product Image
Score 85.0

Jarrow Formulas Sleep Optimizer offers a targeted approach to sleep and stress, featuring a well-dosed blend of Valerian and L-Tryptophan. While its Melatonin content is very low, it emphasizes natural calming pathways through its herbal and amino acid components. Its higher dosages of key ingredients for sleep and lower price per serving make it a competitive option for those seeking a more herb-focused sleep aid.

Quantity: 60 Veggie Cap(s)Servings size: 2 Capsule(s) (30 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Stress Relief
Mood Support
Sleep Support
Anti-Aging

Score 85.0

Jarrow Formulas Sleep Optimizer offers a targeted approach to sleep and stress, featuring a well-dosed blend of Valerian and L-Tryptophan. While its Melatonin content is very low, it emphasizes natural calming pathways through its herbal and amino acid components. Its higher dosages of key ingredients for sleep and lower price per serving make it a competitive option for those seeking a more herb-focused sleep aid.

Analysis

Jarrow Formulas' Sleep Optimizer features a focused blend of ingredients known for their calming and sleep-inducing properties. It includes a very low, physiological dose of Melatonin, alongside more substantial amounts of Valerian and L-Tryptophan compared to Driftoff. The inclusion of Lemon Balm and Hops provides additional herbal support for relaxation. The dosages of Valerian and L-Tryptophan are more aligned with research-backed effective amounts, which enhances its potential efficacy for sleep and stress relief. The product's lower price per serving also makes it a more cost-effective option.

Pros
  • Contains a clinically relevant dosage of Valerian root complex (400mg) for effective sleep and anxiety support.
  • L-Tryptophan is included at a higher and more effective dose (300mg) compared to many other blends, supporting serotonin and melatonin production.
  • Very competitive price per serving ($0.50), offering excellent value for the ingredient profile.
  • Features a synergistic blend of popular sleep aids including Lemon Balm and Hops for comprehensive relaxation.
Cons
  • The Melatonin dosage (0.30mg) is extremely low, likely only beneficial for re-establishing circadian rhythm rather than significant sleep onset assistance for most individuals.
  • GABA dosage (100mg) is still on the lower side, and its oral bioavailability for brain effects remains a topic of debate among experts.
  • The 'Anti-Aging' goal, similar to Driftoff, is not directly addressed by the specific ingredients and might be a marketing stretch.
Warnings
  • May cause drowsiness, should be taken before sleep.
  • L-Tryptophan can cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
  • Valerian has a characteristic strong odor.
  • As with any sleep aid, caution is advised when combining with other sedatives or medications; consult a healthcare provider.
$13.57($0.45 per serving)
Vitacost
$ 19.49
Daily Vita
$ 17.55
Amazon
$ 0.00
Pure Formulas
$ 19.49
iHerb
$ 13.57
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
Categories
Valerian 85.0
At 400mg of Valerian root complex, this dosage is within the range often studied and recommended for effective sleep and anxiety relief, making it a strong contributor to the product's efficacy.
Tryptophan 75.0
With 300mg of L-Tryptophan, this product offers a more substantial dose than many blends, providing better support for serotonin and subsequent melatonin production, aiding both mood and sleep.
GABA 50.0
The 100mg dosage of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid is identical to Driftoff and faces the same concerns regarding its oral bioavailability and ability to significantly impact brain GABA levels directly.
Goals
Sleep Support 90.0
The combination of Valerian (400mg), L-Tryptophan (300mg), Lemon Balm, and Hops provides a robust and well-researched foundation for promoting sleep. While melatonin is low, the other ingredients are effectively dosed to support sleep onset and maintenance for many users.
Stress Relief 85.0
Valerian, Lemon Balm, and Hops are well-known for their anxiolytic properties, contributing significantly to stress reduction. The higher dosage of Valerian in particular makes this product more potent for stress relief compared to products with lower Valerian content.
Mood Support 80.0
The 300mg of L-Tryptophan is a respectable dose for supporting serotonin production, which is crucial for mood regulation. This makes it more effective for mood support than products with lower L-Tryptophan content.
75 Value

Sleep

NOW
4.3
(4327 ratings)
This alternative offers a highly effective herbal blend for sleep and stress relief with good dosages of Valerian, Hops, and Passionflower at a very competitive price ($0.15 per serving), providing excellent bang for buck in herbal sleep support.
80 Value

L-Tryptophan 1000 mg

AN Amazing Nutrition Amazing Formulas
4.5
(2545 ratings)
If L-Tryptophan is a primary target, this product offers a superior 1000mg dose at a significantly lower price per serving ($0.16) than Sleep Optimizer, providing excellent value for targeted tryptophan supplementation.
75 Value

Hi-Stress B&C

Source Naturals
4.6
(269 ratings)
While not exclusively for sleep, this product provides a very broad and potent blend of stress-relieving compounds, including GABA, Valerian, Hops, Chamomile, and B vitamins, at a fair price ($0.29 per serving), offering excellent value for mood and stress management.
65 Performance

Driftoff

ZHOU
4.1
(3505 ratings)
Although slightly more expensive per serving ($0.72), Driftoff offers a similar herbal blend for stress and sleep, *plus* a functional dose of Melatonin, directly addressing a major deficiency in Sleep Optimizer's formulation.
90 Performance

Insomnitol

Designs for Health
4.6
(32 ratings)
This is a premium formula featuring well-dosed Valerian, 5-HTP, and other calming herbs, along with effective Melatonin and PharmaGABA, providing a superior and comprehensive solution for complex sleep issues.
80 Performance

Power to Sleep PM

Irwin Naturals
4.3
(2630 ratings)
A comprehensive formula combining sleep herbs like Valerian, Hops, and Lemon Balm with Melatonin and adaptogens such as Ashwagandha, offering a more complete and potent approach to sleep and stress management.
60 Budget

Sleep Essentials

Swanson
4.5
(718 ratings)
This alternative offers a broad array of sleep-supporting ingredients, including a small amount of melatonin which Sleep Optimizer lacks, at a significantly more affordable price ($0.07 per serving).
70 Budget

Valerian Root 475 mg

Swanson
4.7
(1761 ratings)
For individuals primarily seeking Valerian's benefits, this product provides a very high 950mg dose at an incredibly low price ($0.04 per serving), making it an excellent budget-friendly choice.
95 Budget

Melatonin 3 mg

Swanson
4.7
(9221 ratings)
As Sleep Optimizer lacks melatonin, this alternative offers a standard and effective 3mg dose of pure melatonin at an extremely low price ($0.02 per serving), directly addressing the missing sleep-onset ingredient.
75 Value

Sleep

NOW
4.3
(4327 ratings)
This alternative offers a highly effective herbal blend for sleep and stress relief with good dosages of Valerian, Hops, and Passionflower at a very competitive price ($0.15 per serving), providing excellent bang for buck in herbal sleep support.
80 Value

L-Tryptophan 1000 mg

AN Amazing Nutrition Amazing Formulas
4.5
(2545 ratings)
If L-Tryptophan is a primary target, this product offers a superior 1000mg dose at a significantly lower price per serving ($0.16) than Sleep Optimizer, providing excellent value for targeted tryptophan supplementation.
75 Value

Hi-Stress B&C

Source Naturals
4.6
(269 ratings)
While not exclusively for sleep, this product provides a very broad and potent blend of stress-relieving compounds, including GABA, Valerian, Hops, Chamomile, and B vitamins, at a fair price ($0.29 per serving), offering excellent value for mood and stress management.
65 Performance

Driftoff

ZHOU
4.1
(3505 ratings)
Although slightly more expensive per serving ($0.72), Driftoff offers a similar herbal blend for stress and sleep, *plus* a functional dose of Melatonin, directly addressing a major deficiency in Sleep Optimizer's formulation.
90 Performance

Insomnitol

Designs for Health
4.6
(32 ratings)
This is a premium formula featuring well-dosed Valerian, 5-HTP, and other calming herbs, along with effective Melatonin and PharmaGABA, providing a superior and comprehensive solution for complex sleep issues.
80 Performance

Power to Sleep PM

Irwin Naturals
4.3
(2630 ratings)
A comprehensive formula combining sleep herbs like Valerian, Hops, and Lemon Balm with Melatonin and adaptogens such as Ashwagandha, offering a more complete and potent approach to sleep and stress management.