Top Supplement Ingredients for Insomnia

With approximately 30%-40% of adults reporting problems falling and/or staying asleep, sleep issues are one of the most common complaints among adults globally. (4) The prevalence of insomnia in the general population is approximately 10 to 15%, with an increased prevalence in women, older adults, and those with certain chronic health conditions. (17) It is estimated that 40% of adults with insomnia have relied on medication or alcohol to promote sleep. (4) Despite these significant statistics, insomnia is still believed to be under-diagnosed and under-treated. (17)

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep. (12)(17) The condition can be acute or chronic. In cases of acute insomnia, sleep issues only last a few days or weeks and are often triggered by stress or a traumatic event. In cases of chronic insomnia, sleep issues may persist for a period of one month or longer. Chronic insomnia is often a result of other sleep disorders or medical conditions, certain medications, or substance use. Insomnia as a symptom or side effect of another issue is referred to as secondary insomnia. The exact cause of primary insomnia, which is a distinct disorder, has not been fully established, however, chronic stress or emotional upset may be involved. (12)

What causes insomnia?

Several risk factors have been associated with insomnia, including:

• Age (more common in older adults)
• Alcohol or substance abuse
• Caffeine intake
• Certain medications (e.g., theophylline, beta-blockers, some allergy and cold medications)
• Certain personality traits (e.g., ambitiousness, perfectionism, low extraversion, neuroticism, low extraversion, susceptibility to depression and worry)
• Developmental issues during childhood (e.g., separation anxiety)
• Frequent travel and time changes
• Gender (more common in women)
• Immobility
• Lower income
• Nighttime or shift work
• Onset of menses and menopause
• Physical inactivity
• Psychosocial stress (e.g., divorce, death of a loved one) (12)(16)(9)

Secondary insomnia may present as a symptom of certain preexisting medical conditions, including:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypoxemia and dyspnea
• Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease) (16)
• Pain conditions (e.g., arthritis, headache disorders)
• Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)
• Psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, PTSD)
• Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
• Sleep-related breathing disorders (e.g., snoring, dyspnea, sleep apnea)
• Stroke (9)(12)(16)

Signs, symptoms, and complications

The International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD-3) characterizes insomnia as difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, or poor quality sleep despite adequate opportunity, resulting in daytime dysfunction. (9) Insomnia can significantly impact daily function and quality of life. A number of side-effects are associated with impaired sleep, such as:

• Daytime sleepiness/drowsiness
• Difficulty learning, remembering, and/or focusing on tasks
• Impaired academic and/or work performance and productivity
• Increased risk of motor vehicle accidents (9)(16)(12)
• Mood changes (e.g., feelings of irritability, anxiety, depression) (12)(9)(12)(16)

While anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric disorders may lead to secondary insomnia, it has been noted that individuals with primary insomnia also have a significantly higher risk of developing a subsequent psychiatric condition. (16)

Ingredients for sleep support

Insomnia is commonly addressed using behavioral therapy (e.g., sleep hygiene, relaxation therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy) (9) and pharmaceutical medications (e.g., antihistamines, chloral hydrate, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines). (4)(16) Research also demonstrates that supplementation with melatonin, magnesium, and valerian root may also be effective in improving sleep.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a neurohormone produced by the pineal gland (5) that plays an important role in the regulation of sleep and circadian rhythms. (22) Production and release of melatonin varies throughout the day, rising in the evening to promote sleep and falling again in the morning to promote wakefulness. (11) Production of melatonin also decreases with age, increasing the risk of sleep disorders in older adults. (22)

Melatonin supplementation has become one of the more widely used non-prescription sleep aids. (7) Research has shown that melatonin is effective in addressing insomnia and sleep disorders, including jet lag, shift work-related sleep issues, and delayed sleep phase syndrome. (7)(11) While melatonin is most well-known for its effects on sleep, research has begun examining its potential therapeutic use in other health conditions, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). (11) Further research has shown that melatonin improves overall sleep quality, sleep onset latency, sleep-wake patterns, and delayed sleep phase syndrome. (6)(18)(2)

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

Native to Europe and Asia, Valeriana officinalis is a perennial flowering plant of the Valerianaceae family. (4)(13) Extracts from its roots have been used for decades to improve sleep and reduce restlessness, tremors, and anxiety in Europe. In the United States, valerian has been naturalized and its use for insomnia and sleep difficulties is becoming increasingly popular. According to a 2002 national survey, it was reported that approximately two million adults in the U.S. had used valerian in the past week. (4) The effects of valerian are believed to be attributed to its primary active components, including essential oils, valepotriates, valerenic acid, valenol, and alkaloids. (3)

Studies have shown that valerian may improve sleep quality in patients with insomnia. (4)(21) Another study demonstrated the effectiveness of valerian in reducing sleep onset latency. (10)

Magnesium

Following calcium, sodium, and potassium, magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body. (1)(8)(19)(20) It is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions and plays an essential role in many body functions, particularly those related to neurotransmitter synthesis and energy (ATP) metabolism. (1) Dietary sources of magnesium can be found in both plant and animal foods. Some of the highest sources of magnesium include green leafy vegetables (e.g., spinach, kale), nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. (14)

Unfortunately, magnesium deficiency is becoming increasingly prevalent in western countries, (8) which may be in part attributed to a shift away from a diet abundant in fresh vegetables and whole grains to an increased consumption of processed and refined foods. (1) Magnesium deficiency can result in cardiac and neurological manifestations and has been associated with several chronic health conditions, including osteoporosis, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and diabetes. (20)

While the exact mechanism by which magnesium affects and regulates sleep has yet to be determined, it is believed that magnesium promotes relaxation and facilitates sleep as it is a natural N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist and a GABA agonist. (1)(19)

Research has shown that magnesium supplementation improves sleep quality, sleep duration, and sleep onset latency. (15) Further research has demonstrated that magnesium may also help reduce early morning awakenings. (1)

The bottom line

Insomnia is a common condition among adults that can significantly impact daily function and quality of life. Research has shown that supplementation with melatonin, magnesium, and valerian root may be effective in improving sleep onset latency, duration, and quality. A protocol using natural supplements can be used therapeutically on its own or as an adjunct to existing treatment. If you’re a patient, we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider to learn whether these supplements are ideal for your wellness plan.

If you’re a practitioner, view our sleep support protocol.