Sleep & Recover - Melatonin Free

L-glycine is a conditionally essential amino acid in humans that plays many roles in cellular physiology and has multifarious beneficial effects on cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological health [1]. Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of glycine as a natural sleeping aid, even in modest doses (1,000 mg) before bedtime [2, 3]. 

Evidence suggests glycine acts on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in suprachiasmatic nuclei within the hypothalamus [4]. These tiny nuclei function as a bona fide “pacemaker” of the body’s innate circadian rhythms.

VitaCherry® is a patented tart cherry (Montmorency cherry) powder standardized to provide a rich profile of beneficial anthocyanins and antioxidant polyphenols, as well as B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, iron, and omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs). 

In fact, VitaCherry® is 15x more concentrated in the specific anthocyanins associated with reducing inflammation after vigorous exercise than generic tart cherry powders.

Multiple human studies have shown that tart cherry consumption significantly reduces post-exercise muscle soreness and enhances muscle recovery in high-level athletes [5].

L-theanine is a non-proteinogenic amino acid first discovered as a constituent of green tea (Camellia sinensis) leaves. 

After ingestion, L-theanine is readily absorbed across the blood-brain barrier, where it exerts several nootropic effects, notably stimulating the release of alpha brainwaves and acting as a GABA receptor agonist [6, 7].

As such, L-theanine helps induce a sense of calmness and ease racing thoughts, which can help people fall asleep and improve sleep quality.

Rutaecarpine is a major alkaloid isolated from Evodia rutaecarpa. Several studies have shown that it speeds the rate at which caffeine and caffeine derivatives are metabolized, thereby eliminating them from the body more rapidly [8, 9]. 

Thus, rutaecarpine helps calm the nervous system and “de-caffeinate” the body, which is imperative for restful sleep if you regularly drink coffee, pre-workouts, energy drinks, or other caffeinated beverages later in the day/evening.

Magnesium is a macromineral electrolyte and cofactor (read: "helping hand") in over 350 enzymatic reactions in the human body. Its multifaceted roles make it essential for numerous body functions, including energy metabolism, protein synthesis, neuromuscular conduction, mood, cognition, cardiac contractility, and immunity [10].

Several clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of magnesium glycinate supplements (including the bisglycinate form) for promoting restorative sleep and ameliorating sleep conditions such as insomnia [11].

The magnesium bisglycinate in this melatonin-free sleep aid does not cause a laxative effect in large doses and is gentle on the gastrointestinal tract, unlike other common forms of magnesium (e.g. magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate).

Like magnesium, zinc is an essential mineral typically lacking in modern diets [12]. Our melatonin-free sleep aid contains bioavailable zinc citrate to ensure your body can absorb this key trace mineral.

Zinc deficiency is well-known to disrupt immune function, fertility, sex hormone production, mood, and sleep quality [13]. On the contrary, supplementing with a combination of zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B6 has been shown to confer synergistic sleep and recovery benefits, ideal for active individuals who struggle to get restful sleep [14].

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin with extensive roles throughout the nervous system. In its bioactive pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP) form, it acts as a coenzyme in the conversion of tryptophan to 5-hydroxytryptamine (i.e. serotonin), which is a precursor of melatonin synthesis [15, 16]. This suggests that a deficiency of PLP may impair sleep quality and contribute to occasional sleeplessness.

Indeed, several studies have found that circulating PLP levels are inversely associated with sleep quality and sleeplessness [17, 18]. In other words, people with higher levels of PLP tend to sleep better and experience less daytime drowsiness.