Sleep Aide By Vital Nutrients Overview & Drug Interactions

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a climbing vine with fragrant white and purple flowers that is native to the Americas. It is purported to have a number of potential health benefits, including reducing anxiety and improving sleep. It is thought to work by increasing the levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter in the brain that helps regulate mood and anxiety. Passionflower may also have mild sedative and muscle-relaxing effects and may be helpful in the treatment of muscle spasms and other muscle disorders. Dietary supplements containing passionflower are generally standardized to contain no less than 1.5% of the flavanoid vitexin.

Hops are the female flowers (also known as cones) of the hop plant, Humulus lupulus, and a member of the Cannabaceae family. Hops are native to Europe and are widely cultivated in many parts of the world. Hops have a variety of applications, such as for food flavoring and brewing beer. Hops extract has been used in topical medicinal preparations and as a dietary supplement.

California poppy is a plant, part of the Papaveraceae family, and native to North America. It is known for its bright orange flower and used in traditional medicine to help treat symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is also used as a food or garnish. It is the official state flower of California.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia. The plant is known for its strong, distinctive odor and its purported medicinal effects. Valerian contains a number of active compounds, including valerenic acid and valepotriates, which are believed to have a sedative effect on the body and are may to be helpful in the treatment of insomnia and anxiety. Valerian is also believed to have mild tranquilizing and muscle-relaxing properties and may be helpful in the treatment of muscle spasms and other muscle disorders. The root of the valerian plant is most commonly utilized in dietary supplements and is often standardized for valerenic acid content.

Theanine, often referred to as L-theanine as that is the predominant isomer of theanine, is an amino acid commonly found in tea leaves, particularly in green tea. It is purported to increase levels of GABA, serotonin, and dopamine in the brain, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety. L-theanine may also promote a sense of calm and improve overall well-being. Some studies have also suggested that it may improve cognitive function, although more research is needed. Most reported drug interactions with theanine are due to its sedative effects.

Lavender is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region that has been used for centuries for its aroma in commercial products, as well as in herbal medicine and aromatherapy. It has a sweet, floral aroma and is often used to promote relaxation and relieve stress. In traditional medicine, lavender has been mainly used for its purported anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects. Lavender essential oil has also been purported to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties and may be helpful in the treatment of certain skin conditions, such as acne and dandruff.

Melatonin is a hormone that is produced naturally in the pineal gland. It is involved in several different bodily processes, such as the regulation of the body's sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin is available as a dietary supplement and is often used to help people with sleep disorders, such as insomnia, fall asleep more easily. There is some evidence to suggest that melatonin supplements may be helpful in reducing the time it takes to fall asleep and improving sleep quality, although the results of studies on this topic have been mixed. Studies show better support for some specific conditions, such as Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) and Non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder. Melatonin is generally considered to be safe when used in the short term, although it can cause side effects in some people, such as dizziness, headache, and nausea. While melatonin is a natural hormone, it is often synthesized for its use in dietary supplements.