Sleep Answer By Doctors' Preferred Overview & Drug Interactions

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin found in a variety of foods, including meat, poultry, fish, and fortified grains. It plays a variety of roles in the body, including in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also necessary for the production of energy in the body and in the synthesis of different hormones. Niacin deficiency is rare in developed countries, however, supplementation has been shown to have several positive benefits. For example, it can reduce the risk of diabetic neuropathy (i.e., nerve pain) and has been shown effective for treating some types of high cholesterol (extended-release niacin is used as a prescription drug in the United States for this purpose). There is a multitude of niacin forms available as dietary supplements, including NADH, niacinamide, and nicotinamide riboside, all with different properties.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that is involved in a variety of functions, including regulating brain activity and behavior, relaxation, and sleep. GABA is endogenously produced in the brain from the amino acid glutamate and is responsible for inhibiting the activity of nerve cells in the brain and central nervous system. GABA is a popular dietary supplement and is used to help reduce anxiety and improve sleep, but more research is needed to determine its safety and effectiveness.

Skullcap is a perennial herb native to North America. It is a member of the mint family and has small, blue or purple flowers that bloom in the summer. The plant is named for its shape, which resembles a small, hooded skull. Skullcap is often used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions, and some studies have suggested that skullcap may have sedative and anxiety-reducing effects. American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) are two different plants that are often referred to simply as "skullcap." but they belong to different species and have different medicinal properties.

Glycine is an amino acid found naturally in the body and is also available as a dietary supplement. It is considered a non-essential amino acid, meaning that the body can produce it on its own. Glycine supplementation has been studied for its potential to help improve sleep quality as it is purported to help to promote relaxation and reduce muscle tension. Some studies have also suggested that it may help to improve symptoms of sleep disorders such as insomnia. Glycine has also been studied for its potential to help with the management of some types of chronic pain, such as osteoarthritis, and for improving cognitive function.

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.

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.