Let’s face it. Sometimes, it’s hard to fall asleep even when you have the perfect mattress for your needs and preferences. From general tossing and turning to severe issues with falling and staying asleep, these disruptions make a big difference in your overall quality of life.
According to the National Institutes of Health and the American Sleep Association:
- One in three people report disruptions in sleep.
- One in ten people experience impairment during the day consistent with symptoms experienced by those diagnosed with insomnia.
- Nearly 40% of people have reported falling asleep during the day at least once in the past month.
- Around one in four people aged 20-59 report short sleep duration.
- Approximately one in three kids aged six to 13 report issues falling and staying asleep.
If this sounds like you or you’d just like to discover ways to sleep more soundly, exploring the world of restful sleep gummies could provide solutions. There are numerous types of products on the market, so let’s take a detailed look at your options to decide what’ll be the best in your unique case.
A Brief History of Sleep Aids
But first… what exactly are sleep gummies? Believe it or not, the main natural ingredients included in some of the most popular brands on the market have been used for centuries to help people achieve more restful sleep:
- 101 AD
- Valerian root consumed to treat insomnia.
- 101
- Lemon balm leaf used as a sleep and digestive aid.
- 1934
- Vitamin B6, shown to help people sleep and recall dreams better, is first isolated.
- 1981
- Alfred Lewy discovered the suppression of melatonin in the body when bright lights are applied, leading to research into the supplementation for good sleep.
- Early 2000’s
- Users of CBD to treat issues like chronic pain and epilepsy report improvements in insomnia symptoms.
These ingredients fall within the realm of herbal and dietary supplements. Unlike prescription and over-the-counter medications, they don’t pose the risk of dependence, and research suggests they can help users fall into a deeper, more restful sleep. While most offer pill versions, gummies can be a better fit for those who:
- Are young
- Have trouble swallowing pills
- Like to keep things fun with fruity flavors
Disclaimer
There are many considerations to make as you decide how long you should take vitamin gummies. Certain supplements like melatonin are only recommended for short-term use. Others lack the necessary research to make a reliable determination.
Making the decision to incorporate supplements into your diet should be discussed with your healthcare provider, especially if you think you may have a sleep disorder. The information provided here is not intended to be used as medical advice, rather as a guide to help you understand your options so you can engage in the most effective discussion with your doctor.
Understanding What Happens When You Fall Asleep
A gimmicky product is one intended to attract attention whether or not it really works. Unfortunately, clever marketing ploys trick millions into wasting their hard-earned money. I’ll admit it, I’ve fallen for a few. (I won’t get into the details, but I would NOT suggest the Magic Teeth Brace removable veneer for a first date or job interview!)
The point is, it’s important to understand the reason behind claims of grandeur. To understand the claims behind sleep gummies, it helps to know what’s happening in your body when you fall asleep:
- Your brain is hard at work sorting out all the information processed during the day and filing long-term memories.
- The pineal gland responsible for the regulation of healthy sleep patterns releases melatonin, the hormone that helps you fall and stay asleep.
- The pituitary gland releases growth hormone that helps your body rebuild and repair.
- The endocannabinoid system gets to work stabilizing mood and stress levels, directing immune function and regulating the sleep-wake cycle.
- Production of the neurotransmitter Gamma-Aminobutyric acid is increased to promote relaxation and inhibit insomnia.
What are Sleep Gummies: A Detailed Analysis
Now that you’re a little more familiar with the basic biology of sleep, let’s explore our top five picks for vitamin gummies and break down the pros and cons of each.
1. Melatonin Gummies
Melatonin is the hormone responsible for regulating the sleep/wake cycle. Released by the pineal gland, natural levels are highest in the evening as the brain responds to darkness. There are some signs melatonin production is low including:
- Trouble falling asleep
- Dreamless sleep
- Can’t stop thinking while trying to fall asleep
Research suggests melatonin gummies can provide short-term relief for those suffering from insomnia. Remember, it’s best to talk to your doctor to ensure this is the right solution for you, especially if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above. If needed, they can run blood tests to verify low melatonin or give you the clear to start a supplemental regimen.
How Long Does It Take Melatonin Gummies to Work?
It’s important that you take melatonin at the right time. Taking it too early can cause tiredness when you need to be awake! It only takes about 30 minutes for the effects to start kicking in. If you decide to try this form of sleep supplement, best results are experienced when you take them a half-hour before bedtime.
Can You Overdose on Melatonin Sleep Gummies?
No, you can’t overdose on melatonin. However, taking more than the recommended dosage can cause you to experience the following side effects:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Anxiety
Does Gummy Melatonin Cause Weight Gain?
Multiple studies have actually gathered data suggesting the opposite. There is a link between disturbed melatonin secretion with both obesity and the circadian cycle. During the fall and winter months, it’s been observed that decreased levels of melatonin in the blood were directly related to an increase in appetite. When you also consider the fact that most Americans exercise less during the winter than summer, this can be a recipe for disaster.
Melatonin Gummies: Walmart vs. Health Food Store
You get what you pay for, and this is certainly the case when it comes to melatonin gummies and other sleep supplements. Less expensive products often have a lower absorption rate and are less effective. However, manufacturers are very aware of the placebo effect that keeps customers coming back for more.
Think of it this way. Orange Kool-Aid contains vitamin C. However, do you think you’ll benefit more from orange Kool-Aid or 100% fruit juice? This isn’t to say retailers like Walmart don’t offer quality supplements. However, as you explore your options in these environments, there will most likely be cheap knockoffs available, and you should keep this in mind as you shop.
How Melatonin Helps You Sleep
Melatonin is a chemical messenger released when the brain recognizes a change in lighting. Did you ever get sleepy in class when the teacher turned the lights down for a presentation on the projector screen? This is likely because the brain increased the production of melatonin in response to the decrease in light. It’s also the reason many people have trouble adjusting their sleep schedule during shorter periods of sunlight in the winter.
On the other hand, having too much light in the room when you should be winding down for bedtime can prevent proper melatonin production for sleep. That’s why it’s important to keep the television off and your room dimly lit or pitch black if possible.
The Dracula of Hormones
In a nutshell, melatonin is the “Dracula of hormones” in that it:
- Falls in the early hours
- Disappears during the day
- Rises again at night
This, of course, is assuming normal environmental conditions with plenty of light during the day and ample darkness close to bedtime. If you think melatonin is the way to go, Olly’s Sweet Sleep Collection offers a variety of tasty ways to boost your levels.
2. CBD Gummies for Sleep
Cannabidiol is one of 113 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It’s non-psychoactive and not associated with the effects that produce the “high” of the THC found in marijuana. Rather, it’s been linked to numerous positive benefits including:
- Improved sleep
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Pain relief
- Relief of symptoms of cancer
- Reduced acne
- Diabetes prevention
What Happens if you Eat Too Many CBD Gummies for Sleep?
As long as you follow the directions on the label, the chances for negative side effects are minimal. However, taking too many can lead to:
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Fluctuations in appetite and/or weight
Are CBD Sleep Gummies Legal?
On the federal level, CBD sourced from hemp products is legal in all 50 states. However, when sourced from the marijuana plant, it’s subject to state laws. This comprehensive guide walks you through all the details state-by-state.
How CBD Helps You Sleep
Many don’t realize it, but we all have an endocannabinoid system. It’s composed of neurotransmitters responsible for overall homeostasis in the body. The reason for the “high” experienced with marijuana use is because the tetrahydrocannabinol is able to bind with endocannabinoid neurotransmitters.
Cannabidiol, or CBD, lacks the ability to produce a “high,” but it, too, is able to bind with your neurotransmitters to make real changes in the body. Just some of the important functions of the endocannabinoid system include proper regulation of:
- Pain relief
- Inflammation
- Communication between cells
- Immune response
- Metabolism
- Appetite
- Memory
- Sleep and relaxation
The use of CBD gummies arguably aids the body’s endocannabinoid system in this regulation, thus helping you fall and stay asleep more naturally.
CBD Gummies for Sleep that Won’t Show Up on a Drug Test
Cannabidiol should not show up on a drug test. However, in very rare cases in products that contain trace amounts of THC, you could test positive. As you shop, look for products that come with a certificate of analysis. This verifies it contains no more than 0.3 percent THC.
Testing positive could put your job in jeopardy, so it’s best to play it safe. To best ensure your CBD gummies won’t show up on a drug test, look for a company that:
- Is ISO 17025 compliant
- Uses U.S.-grown hemp
- Tests for molds, pesticides and heavy metals
- Has taken the necessary steps to keep THC levels low enough to keep you and your job safe
Charlotte’s Web CBD Gummies provide excellent potency for the price without all the worry.
3. Vitamin B6 & Magnesium Gummies
We’ve discussed how melatonin, which occurs naturally in the body, regulates your sleep cycle. If you have low levels of melatonin, magnesium could be the key to helping you increase production. It’s responsible for melatonin regulation when taken with B6 vitamin.
How Vitamin B6 and Magnesium Help You Sleep
A Synergistic Relationship
Just like bees and flowers, magnesium and vitamin B6 have a symbiotic relationship. Among its many other functions, B6 keeps the secretion of corticosteroids stabilized. When secretion is too high, it increases the amount of magnesium lost in the process. Since proper magnesium levels are directly related to melatonin production, you can see why the right balance of magnesium and vitamin B6 is important for regulation of a healthy sleep cycle.
A deficiency in vitamin B6 or magnesium could be contributing to your sleep issues. Talk to your doctor about testing for low levels if you have the following symptoms:
- Skin rash
- Cracked, sore lips
- Sore tongue
- Tingling of hand and/or feet
- Muscle gaps
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Muscle spasms
Products like On Task offer everything you need. These gummies balance the right dosage of B6 and magnesium to best ensure melatonin stabilization and circadian bliss.
4. Lemon Balm Leaf- A Natural Sleep Aid
People have been using lemon balm leaf as a sleep aid for over 2,000 years, and a 2011 open-label study indicates merit to the remedy. Twenty people with mild/moderate sleep disturbances ingested lemon balm leaf for 15 consecutive days with pretty impressive results:
- 95% experienced positive results
- 85% experienced full remission of their insomnia
How Lemon Balm Leaf Helps You Sleep
The neurotransmitter gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) helps reduce the symptoms associated with insomnia. When levels are too low, it can take a toll on restful sleep. Lemon balm leaf has been shown to trigger the brain to increase GABA production. In addition to promoting sleep, GABA also reduces anxiety. The worry and fear associated with anxiety has a direct impact on sleep, so lemon balm leaf kills two birds with one stone.
If you suffer from anxiety and think lemon balm leaf could be the solution to achieving a good night’s rest, the raspberry-flavored, scientifically-formulated Hair Bears Sleep Gummies are definitely worth checking out.
5. Valerian Root: Great Solution for the Kids
Looking for a gummy sleep solution the whole family can enjoy? Valerian root provides an option for adults and kids alike!
How Valerian Root Helps You Sleep
While melatonin gummies introduce the hormone directly into the body, valerian root works to naturally increase production. Therefore, rather than boosting melatonin levels synthetically, valerian root gummies encourage natural production through the pineal gland.
Vegan Solutions for Kids
Vitamin Friends brand offers vegan solutions to provide a safe, unique way to help the kids fall asleep and stay asleep.
Not sure if your child has sleep issues? Some signs you should talk to your doctor include:
- Struggle to get them to go to bed
- Difficulty falling and/or staying asleep
- Frequent requests after going to bed such as bathroom breaks, water, etc.
- Trouble napping during the day
- Trouble concentrating
- Difficulty making decisions
- Easily frustrated
- Social and/or academic issues
Vitamin Gummies: Our Final Verdict
Vitamin gummies provide a natural option for people struggling with tossing and turning as well as for those who simply want to enjoy a more restful night’s sleep. While they’re not intended for use as a cure for issues like insomnia and other sleep disorders, they have been shown in studies to provide positive results, making them worth looking into.
Remember, talk to your doctor to make the right choice. As a rule of thumb and to get the conversation rolling, here are some suggestions:
- Melatonin gummies for seasonal sleep issues
- CBD gummies for insomnia associated with chronic pain
- B6 and magnesium gummies for natural melatonin production boost
- Lemon balm leaf gummies for anxiety-related insomnia
- Valerian root gummies for the kids
If you think vitamin gummies could work for you, remember, there is a risk of negative side effects. While uncommon and usually mild, the possibility still exists, so it’s wise to talk to your doctor to make sure you pick a product that will be most beneficial for you and your specific needs.
Restful Sleep Gummies Pros and Cons
- PROS
- Great for people who have trouble swallowing pills
- Good to look into for kids who have trouble sleeping
- Fun flavors
- No risk of becoming addicted
- Uses natural ingredients
- CONS
- Some have high sugar content
- Fruity flavors can tempt users to take more than the recommended amount
- Not ideal for breastfeeding or pregnant women
- Can produce adverse side effects including
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Low blood pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Can interact with medications including:
- Anticoagulants
- Immunosuppressants
- Diabetes
- Contraceptives