Are you one of the millions of Americans desperately searching for a better way to sleep? You’re not alone. 

1 in 3 Americans fail to get the recommended 7 hours of sleep. There are around 70 million (yes: million) people experiencing sleeping problems in the U.S. right now, and that number – thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic and many other factors – is growing. In fact, the CDC declared insufficient sleep a public health epidemic back in 2011, so you can imagine how it’s grown since then.

Factors like stress, diet, anxiety, depression, and even some medications can all lead to poor quality of sleep. While a night or two of rough sleep might not seem like the end of the world, it’s vital that you get back on track, because so many bodily functions and even your immunity are connected to sleep. 

Are you struggling with your sleep? 

Maybe you’ve tried every sleep aid under the sun, maybe you’re just beginning your research. Either way, you’ve undoubtedly stumbled upon nootropics for sleep – and for good reason, too. Nootropics are far from new, but current research is finding that they might be able to improve sleep in epic ways. Because of this, people are turning to Google in droves, trying to figure out which nootropics to use for sleep, and how they work. 

There’s a lot of information out there – some real, some misleading. We’re here to cut through the noise and sort out fact from fiction. Today we’re talking about four of the coolest, science-backed nootropics for sleep, so keep scrolling to learn more.

But First: What Are Nootropics?

Nootropics, or smart drugs, are defined as “substances that can boost your brain performance and cognition.” There are two different types of nootropics available on the market today: prescription and non-prescription (or natural). 

Prescription nootropic medications are stimulants that can counteract some of the symptoms of a number of medical conditions, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and Alzheimer's disease.

Here at NAPJITSU, we only use natural, non-prescription nootropics. These non prescription nootropics (such as caffeine, L-theanine, Panax ginseng, and Valerian root) are not FDA-approved to treat disease, but many have been used in Eastern medicine and are known to effectively enhance brain performance, improve memory, and help you get better sleep – which is what we’re focusing on today. 

Valerian Root

One of the more popular nootropics, Valerian root is used most often for reducing stress and promoting a great night’s sleep.

Valerian root is even sometimes referred to as “nature’s Valium,” and people have been using this magical compound since around the Middle Ages to treat sleep problems. What’s more, Valerian root may help you chill out if you’re experiencing anxiety or stress – the common sleep-enemies. 

Unlike the plant’s delicately scented flowers, Valerian root has a pretty strong odor. However,  we formulated our REST proprietary blend (which includes Valerian root, of course) to be as delicious as a full night’s rest. 

L-Theanine

L-theanine is an amino acid found mainly in green tea, black tea, matcha, and some mushrooms. Because of its ability to block the receptors in the brain that trigger a stress response, L-theanine has been shown to aid sleep and cognitive function and soothe sleep-deprived people.

According to some scientific research, L-theanine has a positive impact on key neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) associated with stress, sleep, mood, focus, and memory. L-theanine stimulates the release of dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, which acts as a "brake" when you’re stressed or anxious. 

Speaking of GABA…

GABA

Meet GABA, your new BFF for sleep. GABA (short for Gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter produced in the brain that works by binding to specific receptors and blocking nerve signals in the brain – basically it tells your brain to just chill out.

This blockage in the brain results in a calming, anti-anxiety effect that helps you settle into a full night's rest if you’re stressed or having trouble falling asleep. GABA is part of NAPJITSU’s full stack of natural nootropics, and scientific studies have proven over and over that this amino acid promotes a deeper, more restful sleep. 

Chamomile Flower Oil 

This one is kind of like the holy grail of sleep nootropics. You’ve undoubtedly heard of chamomile, and if you haven’t…allow us to introduce you. 

Chamomile has been used for centuries because of its ability to help people relax and fall asleep faster, hence its usage in sleep teas. Some studies suggest that chamomile binds to the receptors in your brain that moderate anxiety, which would explain why chamomile makes you feel so chill and sleepy. 

Recharge With the Deep Sleep You Need

No one knows sleep like nootropics. Natural nootropics, that is. 

Our natural sleep supplements have brain-boosting nootropics to help you energize, focus and perform at the top of your game. NAPJITSU REST gives you the benefits of deep sleep in as little as 90 minutes. Simply take a dropperful of NAPJITSU REST, and our full nootropics stack will help you get to deep sleep faster so your brain and body can recharge, then then you’ll wake up naturally, and feel clear, sharp and energized from a full night of restorative sleep. 

It's sleep, amplified.

As a whole, nootropics for sleep should be used alongside a healthy nighttime routine, a good amount of exercise, and with tailored stress reduction practices to fully maximize all the benefits of your nootropics stack. Our collection of energy-boosting products are made with all-natural ingredients to awaken the ninja within so you feel clear and sharp — never groggy or foggy.

Tag us on Instagram at @napjitsu and show us how you’re resting up to level up!