Written by Steve Theunissen | ISSA: CPT & Fitness Nutrition
Fact checked by Robert Iafelice, MS, RD, LDN
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Getting a decent night's sleep has become a rare luxury for many people. Modern life's responsibilities and stresses can cause sleep preventing tension, worry, and restlessness. Among the many possible remedies for sleep disorders, sleep aids have drawn a lot of interest.
Among the many sleep aid supplements is Relaxium Sleep, designed to help people who struggle with insomnia and sleep problems. You may have seen it advertised on TV. The Relaxium people make some big claims about their products, but how good is it really? In this Relaxium sleep review, we cut through the hype to bring you the pure, unadulterated facts.
Table Of Contents:
- What Is Relaxium Sleep?
- Relaxium Sleep Review: Pass Or Fail
- Relaxium Sleep Ingredients
- Claimed Relaxium Sleep Benefits
- Relaxium Sleep Side Effects
- Who Should Take Relaxium Sleep?
- When To Take Relaxium Sleep
- Relaxium Sleep Alternatives
- Relaxium Sleep FAQs
- Summary
What Is Relaxium Sleep?
Relaxium Sleep is a dietary supplement designed to treat sleep disorders and support healthy sleep patterns. It is marketed as a completely natural remedy for people who have trouble falling asleep. According to Relaxium, this product is America's most trusted sleep aid.
Relaxium's ingredient profile includes melatonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), ashwagandha, and valerian root.
The Relaxium company was founded by Dr. Eric Ciliberti, a clinical neurologist with more than 30 years of medical experience. Relaxium produces a range of other supplements designed to promote relaxation, sharpen focus and support immune function.
Relaxium Sleep Review: Pass or Fail?
A quick scan of the Relaxium Sleep ingredient label looks quite promising. It includes such sleep supplement staples as melatonin and GABA, even though it's missing 5-HTP, a recognized serotonin stimulator.
When you start to dig down on the dosages, however, you find that nearly all of the other ingredients are seriously underdosed. Take ashwagandha as an example. The accepted dosage for sleep-enhancing benefits is 600 mg. While melatonin is adequately dosed as 5 mg, the GABA dosage of 100 mg is only half of what you need for decent results.
What we get from this is that the only really effective ingredient in Relaxium Sleep is melatonin. You can purchase that ingredient as a stand-alone product for a fraction of the cost of Relaxium. For our top recommendations, view the 7 Best Melatonin Supplements To Support Healthy Sleep.
It should also be noted that the American Behavioral Research Institute recently tentatively settled a class-action lawsuit about its proprietary blend's efficacy at treating insomnia, alleging that Relaxium buyers were defrauded with deceptive misrepresentations.
Needless to say, we do not recommend Relaxium Sleep as an effective sleep-inducing supplement.
Overall Verdict: FAIL
Pros
- Effective melatonin dose
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Most ingredients low dosed
- No 5-HTP
8 Relaxium Sleep Ingredients:
It is essential to analyze its ingredient profile when assessing a sleep supplement's potential effectiveness. Here's a breakdown of what you get in every serving of Relaxium, along with an analysis of its research backing and dosage appropriateness.
1) Magnesium - 100 mg
Magnesium is vital to many biological mechanisms, including energy production, bone health, and muscle contraction. It also helps to promote a calming effect on the body. It has been shown in a number of studies to relax the neurological system, thereby inducing a calm, relaxed state of mind [1].
Magnesium plays a role in melatonin production, often called the sleep hormone, by helping serotonin convert to melatonin. Magnesium also helps to regulate GABA levels.
You get 100 mg of magnesium in every serving. That's a pretty measly amount and probably not enough to have much effect. Clinical studies typically dose their trials with 200-400 mg, so you can't relate magnesium study results to the small amount provided in Relaxium Sleep.
2) L-Tryptophan - 500 mg
L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that acts as a building block of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation and sleep. Serotonin, in turn, produces melatonin, which helps to create a relaxed state that promotes sleep.
There is some research that indicates that taking a tryptophan-containing supplement helps improve sleep quantity and quality [2]. The 500 mg dosage is well below that used in most trials, which is between 1-4 grams. Any effects at this dosage will be minimal at best.
3) Valerest® Proprietary Blend - 228.9 mg
Valerest is a blending of two ingredients – valerian root and hops. We can only guess at their individual dosages because they're put together as a proprietary blend. That's important because both compounds may be effective, but only if dosed appropriately.
Valerian may have sedative and anxiety-reducing properties that can help promote better sleep, though the research is mixed [3]. To be effective, it must be dosed at 200 mg or more. If that's the dosage you get, that means that there's just 28.9 mg of hops. That's a serious problem because, for hops to produce a sedative effect, they must be dosed at a gram or more.
4) Ashwagandha Extract - 125 mg
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic plant, meaning that it has relaxation and stress-reducing properties. In this way, it can help promote better sleep.
According to some research, ashwagandha may help regulate cortisol, the body's stress hormone [4]. High cortisol levels may hamper sleep patterns. Ashwagandha is also known to have a relaxing impact on the nervous system, which may help people unwind before going to sleep.
The 125 mg dosage provided in Relaxium Sleep is a major letdown. This is potentially one of the most effective ingredients if dosed appropriately at around 600 mg. The fact that you get less than a quarter of that amount means it is next to useless here. Relaxium has missed a great opportunity with this one!
For more on this ingredient's sleep benefits, read When To Take Ashwagandha: Morning Or Night?
5) GABA - 100 mg
Gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, is a neurotransmitter that regulates the central nervous system. Its calming effects make it a popular sleep supplement ingredient.
The neurological system is thought to experience a soothing impact from GABA since it lowers neuronal activity, resulting in sensations of tranquility and relaxation. According to some studies, GABA supplementation may help with sleep commencement and quality by encouraging relaxation [5]. GABA is also linked to anxiety reduction, which is advantageous for people whose sleep problems are worse by anxiety.
Once again, Relaxium has come in short in terms of dosage. The effective dosage for GABA is between 200 and 500 mg. The 100 mg provided here will not achieve this neurotransmitter's potential sleep-inducing benefits.
6) Chamomile - 75 mg
Chamomile has been used since ancient times for its calming and soothing effects and possible medicinal advantages. It is thought to have some minor sedative and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties, and so is often added to sleep supplements to promote relaxation and lessen stress.
Chamomile is also well-known for its advantages for the digestive system. If digestive discomfort is a cause of sleep disruptions, chamomile may indirectly improve sleep by easing discomfort.
The dosage here is probably too low to have an effect. In one study, test subjects given 270 mg twice daily showed modest improvements in sleep quality and quantity [6]. So, a dosage of 75 mg is likely to be ineffective.
7) Passionflower - 75 mg
Passionflower is another herbal ingredient that is said to produce calming, sleep-inducing qualities. It is thought that passionflower can stimulate the production of GABA, which promotes calmness and relaxation by lowering neural excitability.
According to some research, passionflower may facilitate the shift from a wakeful to a restful state, making it easier for people to fall asleep faster [7]. However, the science is far from settled on whether passionflower is a worthwhile sleep-inducing ingredient.
The dosage provided here is adequate.
8) Melatonin - 5 mg
Melatonin is the hormone that controls the sleep-wake cycle. This hormone, produced in the pineal gland, tells the body when it is time to sleep in reaction to darkness. Supplemental melatonin is frequently used to treat sleep-related problems, particularly those brought on by jet lag or altered circadian rhythms.
Melatonin also helps to regulate our body's internal clock, circadian rhythm, which controls our sleep patterns. Several studies have shown that melatonin helps people get to sleep faster [8]. Melatonin supplements can help alter the sleep-wake cycle while traveling across time zones or working night shifts, assisting in a speedier adjustment to the new schedule.
The 5 mg of melatonin in Relaxium Sleep is an effective dosage, with the generally accepted recommendation being to take 3-10 mg daily.
Claimed Relaxium Sleep Benefits
Relaxium Sleep promotes itself as a complete supplement that offers many different ways to improve sleep. Here's what the company claims its product will do for you:
1) Regulates Sleep Cycle
Relaxium Sleep claims to have the ability to control the sleep-wake cycle, which is essential for getting regular, restorative sleep. This supplement seeks to create a more synchronized sleep pattern by focusing on the body's circadian rhythm, perhaps treating concerns with sleep onset and upholding a consistent sleep schedule.
2) Relaxes The Body
Relaxium Sleep's promise to calm the body is one of its main claimed benefits. This supplement's formulation encourages calmness by reducing any physical tension that can prevent you from falling asleep. The product aims to create a relaxing environment so people can fall asleep more quickly.
3) Calms The Mind
The quick pace and constant stimulation of the modern world frequently cause an overactive mind, making it challenging to relax and enter a serene state of mind that is beneficial to sleep.
This problem, according to Relaxium Sleep, is solved by using ingredients that have relaxing effects on the mind. The product promotes a more seamless transition from wakefulness to restful sleep by decreasing nervousness and mental chatter.
Relaxium Sleep Side Effects
Even though the natural ingredients in Relaxium Sleep are typically regarded as safe, it's vital to remember that individual responses can vary, and side effects are possible with any supplement.
Here are some possible side effects of taking Relaxium Sleep:
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Digestive system issues such as gas, diarrhea, or nausea
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Allergic reactions. Check the Relaxium Sleep ingredient list if you have known plant allergies to ensure you're not taking anything that could cause an adverse response.
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Relaxium Sleep contains ingredients with relaxing properties. Although this is meant to encourage better sleep, it may also result in greater tiredness, affecting your capacity to do tasks that call for attentiveness.
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Relaxium Sleep contains several ingredients that may interact with some medicines. For instance, there may be problems if you're already taking medicine for depression, anxiety, or another medical issue.
Real Customer Relaxium Sleep Aid Reviews
With a customer review rating of 3.3/5 on Amazon, the majority of the reviews seem to be in the ambivalent. Here is an example of a couple typical reviews:
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Who Should Take Relaxium Sleep?
The following groups are likely candidates for Relaxium Sleep:
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People with sleep problems: People who have problems going asleep, staying asleep, or getting restorative sleep may benefit from using Relaxium Sleep.
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Those who occasionally experience sleep disruptions: Relaxium Sleep may be considered a temporary fix if you occasionally have sleep difficulties brought on by stress, travel, or changes in routine.
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People Looking for Natural Treatments: The blend of botanical elements in Relaxium Sleep may appeal to people seeking natural and herbal sleep treatments.
When To Take Relaxium Sleep
You should take two Relaxium Sleep capsules 30-60 minutes before your planned bedtime.
Relaxium Sleep Alternatives
The natural sleep supplement market is crowded, with products ranging from ho-hum to outstanding. Here are three star performers that are worthy of consideration as alternatives to Relaxium Sleep:
1) RestAgain
RestAgain is a popular UK-based sleep supplement now available in the United States and worldwide. It contains the following eleven research-supported ingredients:
- Melatonin: 10 mg
- Vitamin D: 15 mcg
- Vitamin B6: 1 mg
- Vitamin B12: 3.7 mcg
- Ashwagandha: 300 mg
- 5-HTP: 100 mg
- GABA: 300 mg
- L-Theanine: 250 mg
- Valerian Root: 300 mg
- Magnesium: 250 mg
- Calcium: 100 mg
As you can see, RestAgain delivers far more effective dosages than Relaxium. You get twice the amount of melatonin, three times as much GABA and more than twice as much magnesium. You also get 100 mg of 5-HTP, a key ingredient missing from Relaxium Sleep.
RestAgain has almost universally positive reviews from verified purchasers. It retails on the official company website for $52.01 for a one-month supply and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- 10 mg of melatonin
- Includes 5-HTP
- All ingredients well dosed
Cons
- It may cause drowsiness if taken before driving
No more fighting to get to sleep, no more tossing and turning, tackle the problem head on with a powerful dose from 8 of the best natural sleep suplements available over the counter...
2) Transparent Labs Sleep Aid
Transparent Labs is one of the most well-known and respected health supplement players. Their Sleep Aid supplement contains clinically attested dosages of the following ingredients:
- Melatonin
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Vitamin B6
- Glycine
- L-Theanine
- Tart Cherry Powder
- Rutacarpine
While most of these ingredients have some research to support their inclusion, others, like Tart Cherry Powder, are more dubious. The dosages are a bit all over the place; you get twice as much magnesium as in Relaxium Sleep but just 3 mg of melatonin, compared with 5 mg with Relaxium. A couple of standard sleep-enhancing ingredients, such as 5-HTP and GABA, are missing from this product.
The recommended dosage for Transparent Labs Sleep Aid is three capsules taken 45 minutes before your planned sleep time. A 30-day supply (90 capsules) of Sleep Aid sells for $19.99 on the official website, representing excellent value for money.
Pros
- Trusted brand
- It contains key ingredients like melatonin and magnesium
- Transparent labeling
- Well priced
Cons
- Missing critical ingredients like GABA and 5-HTP
This formula is designed with synergy in mind, allowing you to repair, recover, and grow while you’re catching some Z’s. Best of all, Transparent Labs Sleep Aid won’t leave you feeling groggy or “hungover” the next morning...
3) Naked Nutrition Sleep Aid Supplement
Naked Nutrition has built its reputation on providing pared-down products with no artificial ingredients or fillers and for transparent sourcing and labeling.
Their sleep aid supplement contains such proven ingredients as GABA, melatonin, and l-theanine, along with a selection of herbs, including passionflower extract and lavender flower extract. The daily dosage is one capsule, taken about a half hour before bedtime. Within one capsule, most of the ingredients are well-dosed, with the exception of melatonin, which is dosed at a pretty meager 1 mg.
Naked Nutrition Sleep Aid Supplement sells on the Naked Nutrition website for $29.99 for a one-month supply or a dollar per day.
Pros
- Generally well dosed
- No artificial ingredients or fillers
- Dairy and gluten-free
Cons
- A low dose of melatonin
Naked Sleep is a natural, scientist-crafted sleep aid designed to help usher in restful nights of quality sleep. GABA, L-Theanine, Melatonin, and time-tested herbs work synergistically...
Relaxium Sleep FAQs
Let's take a look at some of your other questions about Relaxium Sleep.
What are the negative effects of Relaxium Sleep?
Even though Relaxium Sleep is made up of natural compounds and herbal ingredients, it may cause some minor adverse side effects. These include gastrointestinal upset, allergic reactions, drowsiness, and interaction with medications. These effects often disappear after a week or two.
Does Relaxium really help?
Verified users of Relaxium report mixed results from using Relaxium Sleep. While some reviewers, especially those who have provided testimonials for the official Relaxium website, report significant improvement in their ability to get to sleep, others report no difference.
Based on the generally low ingredient dosages in Relaxium, we aren't confident that it will consistently promote deep sleep.
What is the equivalent of Relaxium Sleep?
An equivalent product to Relaxium Sleep is RestAgain. Among its eleven ingredients are many of the same ingredients in Relaxium; the difference is that RestAgain doses them at much more effective levels. It also includes the powerful sleep inducer 5-HTP.
Is Relaxium Sleep FDA approved?
No, Relaxium Sleep is not FDA-approved. That's because it is a dietary supplement rather than a prescription pharmaceutical.
Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994, the FDA oversees dietary supplements. This makes them exempt from the strict requirements of prescription drugs. The focus of the FDA is to ensure that dietary supplements are safe and appropriately marketed.
Summary Of Relaxium Sleep Reviews
Relaxium Sleep is a promising sleep aid that lets itself down by underdosing on most of its ingredients. The result is a decidedly average product that is overpriced for what you actually get.
The only ingredient effectively dosed is melatonin, and you can buy that as a stand-alone product for way cheaper. We're also not keen on using a proprietary blend to confuse buyers about the precise dosages of valerian root and hops.
Based on our analysis, we cannot endorse Relaxium Sleep as a natural remedy for your sleep woes. A far better option is RestAgain, which provides much more generous dosages that align with clinical trials. RestAgain is a little more expensive than Relaxium, but those extra few dollars are worth it to get a sleep-enhancing supplement that is dosed to deliver.
No more fighting to get to sleep, no more tossing and turning, tackle the problem head on with a powerful dose from 8 of the best natural sleep suplements available over the counter...
References
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- Sutanto CN, Loh WW, Kim JE. The impact of tryptophan supplementation on sleep quality: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Nutr Rev. 2022 Jan 10;80(2):306-316. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuab027. PMID: 33942088.
- Bent S, Padula A, Moore D, Patterson M, Mehling W. Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2006 Dec;119(12):1005-12. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026. PMID: 17145239; PMCID: PMC4394901.
- Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012 Jul;34(3):255-62. doi: 10.4103/0253-7176.106022. PMID: 23439798; PMCID: PMC3573577.
- Hepsomali P, Groeger JA, Nishihira J, Scholey A. Effects of Oral Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Administration on Stress and Sleep in Humans: A Systematic Review. Front Neurosci. 2020 Sep 17;14:923. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00923. PMID: 33041752; PMCID: PMC7527439.
- Zick, S.M., Wright, B.D., Sen, A. et al. Preliminary examination of the efficacy and safety of a standardized chamomile extract for chronic primary insomnia: A randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. BMC Complement Altern Med 11, 78 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-11-78
- Guerrero FA, Medina GM. Effect of a medicinal plant (Passiflora incarnata L) on sleep. Sleep Sci. 2017 Jul-Sep;10(3):96-100. doi: 10.5935/1984-0063.20170018. PMID: 29410738; PMCID: PMC5699852.
- Costello RB, Lentino CV, Boyd CC, O'Connell ML, Crawford CC, Sprengel ML, Deuster PA. The effectiveness of melatonin for promoting healthy sleep: a rapid evidence assessment of the literature. Nutr J. 2014 Nov 7;13:106. doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-13-106. PMID: 25380732; PMCID: PMC4273450.
Steve Theunissen
Author