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 | L-Theanineis an amino acid that is one of the main components of green tea. Research has shown that L-Theanine can significantly increase levels of GABA, a key brain chemical known for its calming effects, and dopamine, which effects mood.
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\nL-Theanine readily crosses the blood-brain barrier of humans and exerts subtle changes in biochemistry. An increase in alpha waves has been documented (Relaxation and immunity enhancement effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid administration in humans. Abdou AM, Higashiguchi S, Horie K, Kim M, Hatta H, Yokogoshi H), and the effect has been compared to getting a massage or taking a hot bath. Research with human volunteers has demonstrated that L-Theanine creates its relaxing effect in approximately 30 to 40 minutes after ingestion. L-Theanine directly stimulates production of alpha brain waves, which creates a deep state of relaxation while maintaining mental alertness.
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 | L-Tryptophanis a basic, essential amino acid (cannot be synthesized by the body and must be absorbed through diet) that is used in the formation of 5-htp, serotonin, and melatonin, which amongst other things, help tell your body to relax and sleep, modifying mood and stress responses, and sleep cycles (Hartmann E (1982). "Effects of L-tryptophan on sleepiness and on sleep". Journal of Psychiatric Research 17.)
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 | Beta-phenyl-gamma-aminobutyric acidis a derivative of the the brains main calming neuro-transmitter GABA that successfully crosses the blood-brain barrier, unlike GABA itself. Clinically, it has indicated supportive effects for anti-anxiety and muscle relaxation (Oral intake of ?-aminobutyric acid affects mood and activities of central nervous system during stressed condition induced by mental tasks - Yoto A, Murao S, Motoki M, Yokoyama Y, Horie N, Takeshima K, Masuda K, Kim M, Yokogoshi H.)
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\n(Awad R, Levac D, Cybulska P, Merali Z, Trudeau VL, Arnason JT. Effects of traditionally used anxiolytic botanicals on enzymes of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2007 Sep;85(9):933-42. )
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 | Valerianhas been used as a sleeping aid for hundreds of years. It is well known for its sedative qualities (through GABA release), its ability to relax the central nervous system, to calm smooth muscle (due to the valepotriates and the isovaleric acid,) and to improve sleep latency (ref: A systematic review of insomnia and complementary medicine. Sarris J, Byrne GJ.) At least two double-blind studies have demonstrated that valerian root extract can significantly reduce the amount of time it takes people to fall asleep without changing the normal stages of sleep.
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 | Wild Jujubeseed has been highly regarded by the Chinese for centuries for its supportive relaxation properties and extremely low toxicity. It is used throughout Asia as the most popular sedative and calming agent. A number of compounds are present in jujube, including saponins, jujubosides and triterpenoic acids, but it appears that the saponins (and flavonoids) are the main active ingredients in terms of sedation and relaxation. Studies at the College of Food, South China University of Technology, investigated the sedative effects of the compounds extracted from jujube herb and orally administered to mice separately. Results show that flavonoids and saponins significantly prolonged time spent in deep sleep.
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 | Phosphatidylserine, an antioxidant, has been shown to enhance brain function and memory, decrease anxiety and depression, improve mood and sleep quality, and enhance metabolism.
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| Inositolis a form of sugar found in citrus fruit, bananas, nuts and seeds, and various foods.. It has been classified as a member of the vitamin B complex, and is often referred to as B8 (it is technically not a vitamin.) Studies have shown that inositol can increase serotonin levels in the brain, influencing relaxation and sleep.
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 | Magnolia Barkhas been shown in numerous studies to support regulation and calming of the central-nervous-system. Along with magnolol, magnolia bark contains another active chemical called honokiol. According to researchers at Nanjing University in China (published in Nov. 28 issue of Progress in Neuro-psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry,) the extracts from magnolia bark have significant antidepressant properties, as they help regulate brain chemicals that are associated with depression.
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 | Lemon Balm(or Melissa) is a member of the mint family and has been used for centuries to help with mood and sleep. In one study of healthy volunteers, a daily dose of 600 mgs of lemon balm for a week improved mood, and boosted both calmness and alertness. Several studies show that lemon balm, in conjunction with other herbs such as valerian, hops and chamomile, enhances sleep (Kennedy DO, Little W, Haskell CF, Scholey AB. Anxiolytic effects of a combination of Melissa officinalis and Valeriana officinalis during laboratory induced stress. Phytother Res. 2006;20(2):96-102.).
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\nBoth Germanys Commission E (equivalent to FDA) and the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia approve the use of lemon balm for sedative purposes. It was recently touted by Dr Oz for its ability to help you sleep better.
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 | Humulus Lupulus, or hops, is well known for its sedative properties. The resin of hops (methylbutenol) increases the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, inhibiting the central nervous system. Several studies have shown that the combination of hops and valerian are effective for inducing sleep. (Eur J Med Res. 2008 May 26;13(5):200-4.)
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\nAgain, Germanys Commission E and the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia approve the use of hops for sedative purposes.
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 | Ashwagandha, from the Withania somnifera plant, is a member of the nightshade family and has long been prized for its ability to help the body deal with stress as an adaptogen (known as the 'Queen' of ayurvedic.) It has an anxiolytic effect in social anxiety tests and appears to significantly reduce the symptoms of stress and its co-morbidities (fatigue, temporary cognitive impairment, etc.)
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 | Passionflowerprovides a strong analgesic effect, reducing tension and soothing muscle cramps and aches. Passionflower actually binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain which reduces anxiety thus helping you sleep. In fact, a noted sleep expert says that not only does passionflower induce deeper, more natural sleep, but it also helps improve concentration when you're awake.
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 | Chamomilehas the same action as passionflower by binding to benzodiazepine receptors. One Japanese study of rats found that chamomile extract helped the rats fall asleep just as quickly as rats that were given actual benzodiazepine (a tranquilizing medication.)
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 | Calcium and Magnesiumdeficiencies may produce muscle spasms and cramps, anxiety, nervousness, irritability, lack of sleep or restless sleep and physical fatigue. Supplementing these ingredients has positive effect on sleep patterns.(Study on selected trace elements and heavy metals in some popular medicinal plants from Sudan. Ebrahim AM, Eltayeb MH, Khalid H, Mohamed H, Abdalla W, Grill P, Michalke B.) \n \n |