Sleep by Arrae is an all-natural, non-habit forming blend of four herbs and a neurotransmitter designed to promote deep sleep without any risk of dependence. Insomnia and disrupted sleep are common complaints among adults. It is estimated that 10-20% of US adults suffer from insomnia and almost half report feeling fatigued or drowsy during the day! Let’s learn more about the individual ingredients in Sleep and how they work together to promote a restful night’s slumber. 

Gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, is a neurotransmitter that sends chemical messages through the brain and the nervous system, and is involved in regulating communication between brain cells. The role of GABA is to inhibit or reduce the activity of the neurons of nerve cells or, in other words, slow down brain activity. This makes it easier to fall asleep. GABA reduces mental and physical stress, decreases anxiety and facilitates a relaxed mood. In one study with forty adults with sleep difficulties, people who took oral supplements of GABA one hour before bed for four weeks showed a statistically significant reduction in the time needed to fall asleep. Similar results have been found in other limited studies with a similar design. Some prescription medications work by acting on GABA receptors. Interestingly, several of the herbs found in Sleep also work through GABA-mediated processes.

Valerian root is an herb native to Europe and parts of Asia. Valerian has a long history of sedative use. Valerian increases the concentration of GABA via its valerenic acid content. Valerenic acid inhibits enzymes that break down GABA, thus increasing levels of GABA circulating in the brain. Valerian effectively causes sedation without a morning hangover, something commonly seen with prescription sleep medications. Hops are another sedative herb included in Sleep that act by modulating GABA levels.

Hops are widely known as an integral ingredient in beer. It is common knowledge that beer and other alcoholic beverages cause fatigue due to the sedative effects of alcohol. It is less well known that hops also have sedative effects, even sans alcohol. The resin found in hops increases the activity of GABA which inhibits the activity of the central nervous system (CNS) and causes relaxation. In addition to GABA, valerian root and hops, Sleep by Arrae also includes the popular herb chamomile. 

Chamomile is widely regarded as a mild tranquillizer and sleep-inducer. Sedative effects may be due to the flavonoid, apigenin. Apigenin binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. Benzodiazepine receptors are GABA-agonists, meaning they increase the presence of GABA in the brain, slow down brain activity and facilitate sleep. Chamomile is a gentle, yet effective, herb that is commonly ingested as a tea, tincture or decoction. 

Holy Basil rounds out the Sleep formula. Holy Basil is an adaptogen that is also known as “Tulsi”. Adaptogens are herbs that normalize physiology and help the body adapt to both physical and emotional stress. Holy basil has been used for thousands of years in Ayuredic healing for a variety of conditions including anxiety, depression and insomnia. Holy basil works to facilitate relaxation by regulating the stress hormone, cortisol. If cortisol levels are elevated in the evening (a time when they should be at their lowest) our circadian rhythm can become disrupted making it difficult to fall and stay asleep. 

Sleep by Arrae is an effective, non-habit forming sleep aid. The herbs and neurotransmitter that make up this product are designed to support deep sleep without any grogginess or feeling of being “hungover” the next day. Sleep does not contain any habit-forming ingredients, making it safe for daily use if needed. You deserve to get a good night’s sleep and to wake feeling energized and clear-headed!

References: 

1. Winsky-Sommerer R. Role of GABA receptors in the physiology and pharmacology of sleep. Eur J Neurosci. 2009 May;29(9):1779-94. doi: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2009.06716.x. Epub 2009 Apr 27. PMID: 19473233.
2. Zick SM, Wright BD, Sen A, Arnedt JT. 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. 2011;11:78. Published 2011 Sep 22. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-11-78
3. Franco, Lourdes & Sánchez, Cristina & Bravo, Rafael & Rodríguez, A.B. & Barriga, Carmen & Cubero, Javier. (2012). The sedative effects of hops (Humulus lupulus) , a component of beer, on the activity/rest rhythm. Acta physiologica Hungarica. 99. 133-9. 10.1556/APhysiol.99.2012.2.6.
4. Winsky-Sommerer R. Role of GABA receptors in the physiology and pharmacology of sleep. Eur J Neurosci. 2009 May;29(9):1779-94. doi: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2009.06716.x. Epub 2009 Apr 27. PMID: 19473233.