Clinically Tested 5 Natural Sleep Aid Ingredients for Healthy Sleep

The global market for sleep improvement ingredients, including natural sleep aid like herbal extracts as well as dietary supplements and pharmaceutical compounds, is anticipated to cross USD 103.57 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2022 to 2028.

(Source)

The need for sleep-improvement ingredients has been amplified by sleep disorders and insomnia caused by stress and lifestyle changes. Additionally, increased awareness about the vital role of sleep in maintaining health has stimulated demand for sleep aids that are both effective and natural.

Extensive research has identified key ingredients beneficial for sleep management, which various companies are now integrating into their product lines. 

We will explore the chemical composition of these sleep-enhancing ingredients and the companies capitalizing on them. 

Let’s get started.

1. Valerian

Valerian, famous for its sleep-inducing effects, can be consumed in various forms, including dried, infused, and even capsules.

How does Valerian help in sleep management?

Valerenic acid is a sesquiterpene compound found in valerian herbs that contributes to its distinct aroma. When combined with its derivatives, particularly hydroxy valerenic acid, it is thought to play a crucial role in the widely recognized sedative properties of valerian root.

It is believed to interact directly with receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) that handle the production of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the human body’s primary neurotransmitter for the central nervous system. Sleep studies show that people with insomnia have up to 30% lower GABA levels than those who sleep restfully. (Source)

In the presence of valerian, the GABA firmly binds to the GABA-A receptor and causes more chloride ions (Cle) to diffuse inside the neuron, resulting in a longer stay of GABA at the brain receptor. (Source)(Source)

This results in hyperpolarization of the neuron (e80 mV). In hyperpolarization states, neurons are less active for excitatory postsynaptic potentials, thus suppressing the function of the CNS, leading to restful sleep. Additionally, it dampens the transmission of nerve impulses between neurons, which has a calming influence. 

Research backs up Valerian’s benefit in sleep management. Therefore, it’s no wonder companies like OmniActive are capitalizing on it to produce a beneficial product for human health.

OmniActive uses valerian for sleep improvement products.

OmniActive, based in Mumbai, produces a product named Sleeproot. It is a standardized valerian extract that promotes various aspects of sleep quality for individuals with occasional sleep issues. Clinically shown to support faster sleep onset and increased sleep duration, Sleeproot stands out with its high content of 2% valerenic acid compared to the average of 0.8% in other valerian products. Additionally, its lower dosage allows for application adaptability, making it suitable for challenging delivery systems like gummies. 

2. Chamomile

Chamomile contains flavonoids, terpenoids, and coumarins and has various medicinal properties. The two commonly used varieties with therapeutic applications are German chamomile, known as Matricaria chamomilla L. and Roman chamomile, known by its scientific name Chamaemelum nobile L. 

Does Chamomile really act as a natural sleep aid?

Chamomile has gained popularity as a mild tranquilizer and sleep aid, but limited scientific evidence supports its effectiveness in these areas. In 1984, the German regulatory body, Commission E, equivalent to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, did not approve chamomile as a sleep aid due to a lack of published research.

The few human studies on chamomile have several limitations, including small sample sizes and design flaws, such as the absence of control groups, leading to mixed results. For example, a study in 2011 involved 17 individuals with insomnia who took 270 milligrams of chamomile extract twice daily for a month while maintaining a sleep diary. However, there was no significant difference in sleep onset or duration compared to a placebo group.

However, a 2016 study randomized 40 postpartum women to consume one cup of chamomile tea daily for two weeks. The participants demonstrated significantly lower scores in sleep problems and symptoms of depression compared to the control group. However, these positive effects diminished four weeks after discontinuing the chamomile tea, suggesting that chamomile’s benefits may be limited to the short term.

Similarly, a 2017 study on 77 older adults showed a notable improvement in sleep quality when participants consumed 400-milligram chamomile capsules twice a day for four weeks, compared to those who did not receive the treatment.

Another study indicated that chamomile can prolong the duration of sleep induced by sleep-inducing drugs like barbiturates.

Overall, while chamomile is widely believed to possess sleep-inducing properties, the current research is limited and inconclusive. Further robust studies are necessary to establish its efficacy and long-term effects in promoting sleep.

Effect of Chamomile on Sleep

Chamomile contains a flavonoid named Apigenin, which executes its sedative effect by binding to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. Doctors often prescribe benzodiazepines to treat anxiety, seizures, and insomnia. Benzodiazepines bind to GABA and GABAA receptors. Additionally, they increase sleep time and quality by reducing sleep-onset latency and wakefulness after a person has fallen asleep. (Source)(Source)

Sibelius Natural Products use chamomile extract in its products

Sibelius™:Chamomile created by Sibelius Natural Products, based in Uk is a high-quality chamomile extract (Chamaemelum nobile) that naturally supports restful sleep, serenity, and relaxation. It derives from a non-GMO cultivar of Roman chamomile grown in the UK.

Impact of the Sibelius™: Chamomile

There was a 65% improvement in sleep duration over 4 weeks following daily supplementation with Sibelius™: Chamomile.

In addition, there was a 90% improvement in wake-up events over 4 weeks following daily supplementation with Sibelius™: Chamomile. (Source)(Source)

3. Saffron

An ancient Indian spice, Saffron helps enhance sleep and alleviate sleep disorders. Safranal is the main constituent of saffron responsible for inducing and enhancing sleep.

How is Saffron a natural sleep aid?

The ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO) in the anterior hypothalamus and the tuberomammillary nucleus (TMN) in the posterior hypothalamus are critical regions that involve the regulation of sleep-wakefulness flip-flop in the central nervous system. Most VLPO neurons are sleep-promoting neurons, which co-express γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and galanin, while TMN neurons express histamine (HA), a key wake-promoting neurotransmitter.

On consuming Saffron, the c-Fos gene expression, a measure of neuronal activity, improves in the VLPO and decreases in the arousal histaminergic TMN. The hypnotic property of safranal links to the potentiation of the sleep-promoting neurons in the VLPO alongside the inhibition of the wakefulness-promoting neurons in the TMN.

Another study shows safranal has hypnotic effects and concludes that safranal may bind to some benzodiazepine subtypes (BZ1, BZ2, and BZ3). However, it had no impact on muscle relaxation or motor imbalance. (Source)(Source)(Source)(Source)

Activ’Inside’s patented technology to make sleep improvement products made from Saffron

Activ’Inside, a French health and food-tech company, has developed a saffron-based active ingredient called Safr’Inside. The patented ingredient is an encapsulated saffron extract with the highest concentration of pure safranal, acting as a serotonin amplifier. This compound aids in improving sleep quality and adds to the overall well-being of nutrition and lifestyle. 

4. Fish Hydrolysates

The hydrolysis of fish by-products such as viscera, carcass, head, skin, and bones produces fish hydrolysates. Researchers consider them as the most important source of protein and bioactive peptides.

The compounds present in fish hydrolysates, depending on the choice of fish and its fishery by-product, have a range of bioactive properties such as anti-proliferative, anti-oxidative, anti-microbial, and anti-hypersensitive properties.

Now, fish hydrolysates are being explored for sleep enhancement. For example, one of the fish hydrolysates, Peptidyss®, is a water-soluble powder obtained from the standardized enzymatic hydrolysis of sardine by-products without preservatives or processing aids. Clinical tests support it for Sleep and Anxiety efficacy. (Source)(Source)(Source)

Can fish hydrolysate help you sleep?

A study finds that fish hydrolysate supplementation prevented the observed stress‐induced dysregulation of proteins relative to mitochondrial pathways and the neuronal network. These findings suggest that fish hydrolysate represents an innovative strategy to prevent the adverse effects of stress and participate in stress management. (Source)(Source)(Source)

How do Abyss Ingredients use Fish Hydrolysates as a natural sleep aid ingredient?

Abyss Ingredients’ Peptidyss® is a fish by-product derived from natural health ingredients. The ingredient is made through enzymatic hydrolysis of fishery by-products and claims to have: 

• anti-stress activity,
• Diazepam-like effects without the drawbacks, 
• significant reduction of stress hormone secretion after moderate acute stress
• Modulation of stress-responsive gene expression. 

It is under clinical trial for its efficacy in sleep and anxiety. The ingredient may be consumed orally in dry form as a stick, tablet, capsule, soft gel, powder additive, or liquid form. (Source)(Source)(Source)

5. Lactium 

Lactium®, a brand of Ingredia Nutritional, is a natural product with a unique milk protein hydrolysate. It is also bioactive with relaxing properties, clinically proven to reduce stress-related symptoms and promote better sleep. It can be consumed in foods and drinks as a functional food as well as a dietary supplement like capsules, tablets, sticks, etc.

After extensive research conducted over 12 years in Ingredia’s laboratories, in collaboration with the University of Lorraine in France, Lactium® was created. Interestingly, the inspiration behind its development is attributed to babies. The enzymes present in the digestive systems of infants play a crucial role in releasing a bioactive peptide, leading to a state of bliss. However, adults don’t retain this ability. The researchers at Ingredia then embarked on a journey to replicate the baby’s digestive mechanism and eventually make products proven to improve sleep quality. They accomplished this by using trypsin, a well-known digestive enzyme, to isolate the milk protein hydrolysate that contains the coveted bioactive peptide known as alpha-capsazepine from casein.

Will Lactium® really help with sleep management?

Lactium® has shown an effect on cortisol release. Even with chronic anxiety, the product claims to reduce blood cortisol levels.

It uses a selective affinity for certain receptors in the central nervous system, called GABAA receptors. It increases the activity of gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter well known for its inhibitory action on anxiety and its relaxing properties. Unlike benzodiazepines, Lactium® does not create addiction, even at a high dosage. It, therefore, acts effectively and naturally. (Source)(Source )

Additionally, in April 2020, US FDA authorized seven claims for Lactium®. The effectiveness of Lactium® has been the subject of 9 rigorous clinical studies between 1999 and 2018 on more than 500 adult volunteers, all supervised by healthcare professionals. (Source)(Source)

Future Outlook

Emerging research and advancements in the field of sleep science are set to introduce novel ingredients and natural sleep aids to the market. Meanwhile, integrating digital health and artificial intelligence in this sector also opens doors for personalized sleep improvement solutions. Therefore, by providing promising solutions to a sleep-deprived population, these natural sleep aid ingredients have the potential to improve the quality of life for many individuals and, in doing so, contribute to a healthier, more productive society.

Developing and applying natural sleep aid ingredients will be a game-changer in the healthcare and wellness industry. As a result, to carve a niche for yourself in this industry, staying up-to-date with the latest trends is indispensable; that is where we come into the picture.

Click the button below, and we will help you plan your next business move using our extensive patent and landscape insights. 

Authored By- Mayank Maloo, Solutions

Edited By- Moksha Jain, Marketing