What Are the Best Natural Sleep Supplement Ingredients? A Plain English Guide
There's no single best ingredient for everyone. What matters is knowing exactly what's in your jar, and how much. SleepSHAKE contains five active ingredients: magnesium, glycine, chamomile with apigenin, ashwagandha and reishi mushroom. Here's what each one is, in plain English, and how much is in each serve.
| Ingredient | What it is | Per 10 g serve of SleepSHAKE |
|---|---|---|
| Magnesium | A mineral, in two forms: magnesium glycinate and magnesium citrate | 350 mg elemental magnesium (from 1.5 g magnesium glycinate and 1.2 g magnesium citrate) |
| Glycine | An amino acid | 3 g |
| Chamomile with Apigenin | A flower extract (Matricaria chamomilla) | 51 mg extract, equivalent to 10.2 g dry flower |
| Ashwagandha | A root extract (Withania somnifera) | 600 mg extract, equivalent to 7.5 g dry root |
| Reishi mushroom | A mushroom extract (Ganoderma lucidum), traditionally used in Chinese medicine to calm the mind | 520 mg extract, equivalent to 5.2 g dry mushroom |
If you've ever flipped over a sleep supplement and stared blankly at a list of unpronounceable ingredients, you're not alone. So let's break it down in plain English.
Why ingredient transparency matters
Understanding what's in your supplement helps you make informed choices and know exactly what you're putting into your body each night. That means each ingredient listed by name, with its dose.
At LifeLab&Co, we believe you should know exactly what's in every scoop of your SleepSHAKE. Full doses, printed on the label. Nothing hidden.
What are the key ingredients in SleepSHAKE?
1. Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral. SleepSHAKE uses two forms, magnesium glycinate and magnesium citrate, for a total of 350 mg of elemental magnesium per serve.
Not all magnesiums are equal. Organic forms such as magnesium glycinate and magnesium citrate dissolve better and are more easily absorbed by the digestive tract than inorganic forms such as magnesium oxide.
2. Glycine
Glycine is an amino acid. Each serve of SleepSHAKE contains 3 g.
3. Chamomile with Apigenin
Chamomile is the daisy-like flower many people know as a herbal tea. Apigenin is a compound found naturally in chamomile, so we show the two together as one ingredient. Each serve contains 51 mg of chamomile extract, equivalent to 10.2 g of dry flower.
4. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a herb. SleepSHAKE uses an extract of the root: 600 mg per serve, equivalent to 7.5 g of dry root.
5. Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)
Reishi is a mushroom, traditionally used in Chinese medicine to calm the mind. Each serve contains 520 mg of reishi extract, equivalent to 5.2 g of dry mushroom.
What does SleepSHAKE do?
The claims belong to the whole formula, not to any one ingredient. SleepSHAKE is made to:
- Enhance sleep quality and increase deep sleep
- Promote refreshing sleep
- Enhance muscle relaxation
- Help reduce the occurrence of muscle cramp
- Help relieve mild muscle twitches
- Support nervous system function
It also contains reishi, traditionally used in Chinese medicine to calm the mind.
Made for quality sleep, not to knock you out.
How to read a supplement label
When you're looking at any sleep supplement, check the label for:
- Each ingredient listed individually, with its exact dose
- The form of each ingredient, for example which type of magnesium
- Clear directions, including how much to take and when
- Any warnings, such as allergens
SleepSHAKE has no added sugar, no maltodextrin and no melatonin.
What should you look for in a sleep supplement?
Look for a formula that's transparent about what's in it and how much. If you want to understand how sleep hygiene and supplements fit together, read our guide to sleep hygiene vs sleep supplements.
Now you know what to look for, and exactly what's in your nightly ritual.
Frequently asked questions
Are natural sleep supplements safe?
Always read the label and use only as directed. SleepSHAKE is for adults only and contains sulphites. If you take medication or have any health concerns, talk to your health professional before you start.
Do I need to take a sleep supplement every night?
SleepSHAKE is made to be a nightly ritual, not a quick fix. Add 2 scoops (10 g) to 100 to 250 mL of cold water (use the lesser amount of water if you like, as long as you take the full 2 scoops), shake well and drink it straight away, 30 minutes before bed.
What kind of magnesium is in SleepSHAKE?
Two forms: magnesium glycinate (1.5 g) and magnesium citrate (1.2 g), giving 350 mg of elemental magnesium per serve. Organic forms such as these dissolve better and are more easily absorbed by the digestive tract than inorganic forms such as magnesium oxide.
How much ashwagandha is in SleepSHAKE?
600 mg of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract per 10 g serve, equivalent to 7.5 g of dry root.
Are Australian sleep supplements different from overseas ones?
We can only speak for our own. SleepSHAKE is listed on the ARTG (AUST L 524569). That means it's a listed medicine, held to the standard the Therapeutic Goods Administration sets for what goes in it, how it's made, and what we're allowed to say about it.
SleepSHAKE Midnight Berry. AUST L 524569. Adults only. Contains sulphites. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.