Night products include supplements, teas and homeopathic formulas designed to support a tranquil, relaxed evening mindset.** These products may also:
- Help to gently accelerate onset of sleep**
- Help improve the quality of sleep**
- Support a calm, relaxed mood**
What are Night Products?
The span of darkness between the sun setting and rising once again is considered by many as a time of inactivity. However, night is actually a dynamic time for both brain and body, with sleep offering a critical window for tissue growth, muscle repair, physical recovery and overall health.
It all starts when darkness falls: Declining light perceived by the eyes signals the brain’s pineal gland to release the neurotransmitter hormone melatonin, which in turn induces feelings of relaxation and drowsiness. As the sun rises, the eyes detect light that signals the pineal gland to stop releasing melatonin, so we wake up. Known as circadian rhythm, this cycle dictated by light and dark helps to maintain the balanced, normal sleep patterns that contribute to ideal rest and overall wellness.
For many individuals, sleep patterns may occasionally be unstable or irregular. Most people understand what it’s like to get a bad night’s sleep once in a while—it’s certainly something you feel the next day! Night products are designed to help with this occasional sleeplessness by helping to sooth your body and mind into relaxation and help to achieve a deep, restful night’s sleep.**
These nutritional supplements and natural health products help to support and maintain the right mindset after the sun goes down, promoting a soothing, relaxed mood and gentle drowsiness that can help with occasional sleeplessness.**
Some of the most popular products in this category include:
Melatonin
Among the most popular nutritional supplements for sleep, melatonin supports a tranquil mood that helps accelerate sleep onset while improving the quality of rest.** Its potential to support normal circadian rhythms has also led to its use as a supplement for jet lag.**
L-Tryptophan
This amino acid is found throughout the central nervous system, where it serves as a raw material for the production of neurotransmitters, including 5-HTP, melatonin and serotonin, that are closely tied to relaxation, calm and emotional balance.** With these benefits, L-Tryptophan is valued for promoting an ideal mindset for healthy, restful sleep .**
OTC Sleep Aids
The antihistamine Diphenhydramine HCl, commonly used to assist with allergies and congestion, is also valued for its ability to encourage deep, restful sleep. Diphenhydramine HCl is commonly used as an active ingredient in over-the-counter sleep aids.
5-HTP
The body synthesizes 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and converts it into serotonin, the feel-good neurotransmitter associated with healthy mood and restful sleep.**
Valerian Root
This root-derived herbal supplement has been valued for promoting restful sleep since the time of Ancient Greece and Rome, and remains one of the most widely used herbs for relaxation and sleep.**
Sleep Tea
Sleep teas often combine relaxation herbs, including passion flower, chamomile, valerian and more, into soothing, pleasant-tasting hot brews that can help to gently encourage the onset of restful slumber.**
Rescue Remedy
This popular formula for helping with occasional stress uses homeopathy, a holistic practice that administers natural substances in ultra-low doses to help stimulate the body’s innate ability to heal and balance.** Rescue Remedy is sometimes used for evening relaxation and sleep support.**
Night Products
These popular health products may appear as capsules or fast-acting liquids. Some products may combine numerous herbs into one product, for diverse mechanisms of action.
Directions for Use
Before taking any night products or related nutritional supplements for sleep, be sure to consult with your qualified and trusted health practitioner. Directions for use will vary depending on the type of nutrient and potency of formulation. Always refer to the manufacturer’s product label and follow the specific directions for each unique product.
