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1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 99 (from laksa127)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa099.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.wired.com/2015/04/sleep-aids/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.wired.com/2015/04/sleep-aids/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.wired.com\/2015\/04\/sleep-aids\/","crawl_time":1776390275,"first_indexed_time":1485427487,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,wired!www,\/2015\/04\/sleep-aids\/ s443","src_root_hash":"5736512710119187299","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"I Used Myself as a Guinea Pig for 8 Alternative Sleep Aids | WIRED","meta_descriptions":["We round up eight alternative sleep aids—five supplements and three \"cocktails\"—and swallowed them over the course of six weeks."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"It can't be noted strenuously enough that this is a thoroughly unscientific test and my experiences should not be seen as representative of how anyone else may respond to these supplements, or as a benchmark for their effectiveness. Rather, my intent is to investigate how widely variable sleep aids like these can be outside of the lab while offering my own anecdotal evidence about what worked as a baseline for further investigation.\nAs well, remember that many things can impact how you sleep. What you eat, what you drink, evening exercise, late-night brain stimulation (like watching TV or playing games), pets in the room, temperature, ambient noise and light, and who knows what else can each have a severe impact on how well you sleep. Supplements are only one piece of the puzzle, but the question is whether they can genuinely help to overcome those other elements.\nStill, consider those elements before thinking about a supplement. \"Look at your overall sleep habits and your environment before you engage with a sleep aid,\" Makekau says. \"Make sleep a priority, get exercise during the day, and avoid things like alcohol and caffeine.\"\nThe Players\nI investigated five single-product supplements. Prices are approximate based on larger capacity bottles.\n•\nMelatonin\n(4¢\/dose). The big name in alternative sleep aids, this is a hormone that builds in the body as it gets darker outside.\n•\nValerian Root\n(8¢\/dose). A flowering herb that has sedative effects. The root is powdered and put into a capsule.\n•\nChamomile\n(10¢\/dose). The same stuff that's in herbal tea. The flowers of this plant are used for a wide variety of ailments, including indigestion and anxiety.\n•\nLemon balm\n(18¢\/dose). Also known as Melissa. It's part of the mint family (not the lemon family) and finds a home in aromatherapy and culinary uses. Tea made from lemon balm is used as a mild sedative.\n•\nL-tryptophan\n(45¢\/dose). An amino acid and a precursor to serotonin and melatonin in the brain. Famously thought to be in high concentrations in turkey (but not really), it's also used to improve mood.\nThe three \"cocktails\" I sampled included these products:\n•\nSomnis\n(30¢\/dose). A mix of L-tryptophan, melatonin, and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA).\n•\nSerenity\n($1.33\/dose). Valerian root, passion flower extract, magnolia bark, jujube, chamomile, L-theanine, 5-HTP, melatonin, and something called BioPerine (a black pepper extract), plus a smattering of vitamins.\n•\nLuna\n(73¢\/dose). L-theanine, valerian root, chamomile, passion flower, lemon balm, hops flower, L-taurine, and melatonin, plus magnesium.\nThe Results\nAfter weeks of testing, my personal results were far from what I expected. The biggest surprise was that, based on my sleep log and the Aura data, I found I'd been sleeping better than I thought, even when I didn't take anything. With no supplement, I was getting a baseline of 6.85 hours of sleep at an average 6.6 quality rating for a total sleep score of 46 points. Not bad, and the Aura reported 1.46 hours of REM sleep each night, which was also surprisingly good.\nWhen looking at the overall amount of sleep I got while using a single supplement, L-tryptophan came out on top. On nights I took L-tryptophan, I got 7.53 hours of sleep, significantly above any other alternative. The downside was the quality of that sleep, which I rated at only a 6.5, for an average sleep score of 49 points. That's all pretty good, but the whole jellied muscles business put me off a bit, so ultimately I'm not sure it's a great option for sustained use.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/2015\/04\/sleep-aids\/#main-content)\n\n[SECURITY](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/category\/security\/)\n\n[POLITICS](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/category\/politics\/)\n\n[THE BIG STORY](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/category\/big-story\/)\n\n[BUSINESS](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/category\/business\/)\n\n[SCIENCE](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/category\/science\/)\n\n[CULTURE](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/category\/culture\/)\n\n[REVIEWS](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/category\/gear\/)\n\n[SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/v2\/offers\/wira01035?source=Site_0_JNY_WIR_DESKTOP_NAV_CTA_0_US_ACQ_NLI_QUICK_PAY_GENERIC_ZZ_PANELB)\n\n[Newsletters](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/newsletter?sourceCode=hamburgernav)\n\n[SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/v2\/offers\/wira01035?source=Site_0_JNY_WIR_DESKTOP_NAV_CTA_0_US_ACQ_NLI_QUICK_PAY_GENERIC_ZZ_PANELB)\n\n![Featured](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/verso\/static\/wired-us\/assets\/wired-featured-logo.svg)\n\n[Best GoPro Camera](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/gallery\/best-gopro-hero-camera\/)[Dyson vs Shark](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/dyson-shark-robot-vacuum-comparison\/)[Smart Smoke Alarms](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/should-smoke-alarms-be-smart\/)[Best Standing Desks](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/gallery\/best-standing-desks\/)[Best Wi-Fi Routers](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/gallery\/best-wifi-routers\/)[Deals Delivered](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/newsletter\/gear?sourceCode=ArticleBannerGear)\n\n[Security](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/category\/security\/)\n\n[Politics](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/category\/politics\/)\n\n[The Big Story](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/category\/big-story\/)\n\n[Business](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/category\/business\/)\n\n[Science](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/category\/science\/)\n\n[Culture](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/category\/culture\/)\n\n[Reviews](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/category\/gear\/)\n\nMore\n\n[The Big Interview](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/the-big-interview\/)[Magazine](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/magazine\/)[Events](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/tag\/wired-events\/)[WIRED Insider](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/collection\/wiredinsider\/)[WIRED Consulting](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/tag\/wired-consulting\/)\n\n[Newsletters](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/newsletter?sourceCode=hamburgernav)\n\n[Podcasts](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/podcasts\/)\n\n[Video](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/video\/)\n\n[Livestreams](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/livestreams)\n\n[Merch](https:\/\/shop.wired.com\/)\n\n[Search](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/search\/)\n\n[Sign In](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/auth\/initiate?redirectURL=%2F2015%2F04%2Fsleep-aids%2F&source=VERSO_NAVIGATION)\n\n[START FREE TRIAL](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/v2\/offers\/wira01035?source=Site_0_JNY_WIR_DESKTOP_JNY_WIR_GLOBAL_NAV_DRAWER_0_US_ACQ_NLI_QUICK_PAY_GENERIC_ZZ_PANELB)\n\n[![ZOOM IN \\<br\\> Subscribe today for only \\<del\\>\\$4\\<\/del\\> \\<strong\\>\\$2\/month\\<\/strong\\> and get access to exclusive benefits including \\<strong\\>5 all-new premium newsletters.\\<\/strong\\> CTA:SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/assets.bonappetit.com\/photos\/686ea38fcb59aaabef7a795d\/original\/pass\/Wired_Zoom_Rollover_300x200_v2a_Shorter.gif?format=original)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/v2\/offers\/wira01035?source=Site_0_JNY_WIR_DESKTOP_NAV_ROLLOVER_0_US_ACQ_NLI_QUICK_PAY_GENERIC_ZZ_PANELB)\n\n[Sign In](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/auth\/initiate?redirectURL=%2F2015%2F04%2Fsleep-aids%2F&source=VERSO_NAVIGATION)\n\nThe intersection of technology, power, and culture. Start your free trial and get access to **5 all-new premium newsletters.** [START FREE TRIAL](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/v2\/offers\/wira01035?source=Site_0_JNY_WIR_DESKTOP_PAYWALL_THIN_METER_ARTICLE_1_0_US_ACQ_NLI_QUICK_PAY_GENERIC_ZZ_PANELB)\n\n[Christopher Null](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/author\/christopher-null\/)\n\n[Gear](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/category\/gear)\n\nApr 20, 2015 7:00 AM\n# I Used Myself as a Guinea Pig for 8 Alternative Sleep Aids\n\nWe round up eight alternative sleep aids—five supplements and three \"cocktails\"—and swallowed them over the course of six weeks.\n\n![pillsft](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/59e9559e791cc9198b92bda3\/3:2\/w_2560%2Cc_limit\/pills-ft.jpg)\n\nJosh Valcarcel\/WIRED\n\nComments\n\nSave this story\n\nComments\n\nSave this story\n\nAll products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and\/or from purchases of products through these links. [Learn more.](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/about\/affiliate-link-policy\/)\n\nCan't sleep? You're not alone. Some [70 million Americans](http:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/sleep\/about_us.htm) have chronic sleep problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And it's about far more than feeling tired all the time. Sleep deprivation is a contributor to a host of medical issues ranging from obesity to mental illness to \"poor quality of life and well-being.\"\n\nThat explains the explosive market for prescription drugs that help you sleep. Driven by sales of Lunesta, the prescription sleep aid market hit \\$1.48 billion in 2013, according to IMS Health.\n\nPrescription sleeping pills may be popular, but they can be dicey—the tales of side effects for drugs like [Ambien](http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/2\/hi\/health\/1913066.stm) and [Halcion](http:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2014\/11\/21\/movies\/mike-nichols-celebrated-director-dies-at-83.html?_r=1) are legendary. This has led many to explore herbs, natural remedies, and over-the-counter products that, in theory, have fewer ill effects. But do they work?\n\nTrending Now\n\n[Surgeon Explains How to Tie Surgical Knots](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/video\/watch\/surgeon-explains-how-to-tie-surgical-knots)\n\nI asked [Dr. Shanon Makekau](https:\/\/healthy.kaiserpermanente.org\/health\/care\/!ut\/p\/a0\/FchBDoMgEAXQs3gA8xdibNz1AF25aGH3MxAlOECIbeLtq8v34PCBy_zFlUcsmftlq2fvixylzf7M1Ch4w8GlugQ22WBfTCHxe2dtXJWwufRC2cJ90cMaMw7TaFBVH4M-uz9VGo9O\/), medical director of the sleep laboratory at the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group, about supplements like valerian root, melatonin, and tryptophan, and whether they have any legitimate medical value. She's pragmatic. \"The bottom line is that the available alternatives are not really rooted in science,\" she says. \"The studies that are out there, particularly on valerian and chamomile, are limited and small in number, and the results are inconclusive. That being said, I generally tell my patients that if they find a sleep aid anecdotally to be helpful and not harmful, I don't see anything wrong with it.\"\n\nGiven some patients' concern with prescription drugs, Makekau understands the desire for alternatives, but stresses caution. \"There are effective prescription medications,\" she notes, \"but they are associated with negative side effects. But people need to know that even things over the counter can be harmful.\" She points to kava (related to severe liver damage) and l-tryptophan (associated with a rare and fatal muscle-jellifying disease called [Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome](http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Eosinophilia%E2%80%93myalgia_syndrome)) as drugs to treat with special caution.\n\nStill, Makekau says most alternative sleep aids are thought to be safe, though they have little scientific backing. The exception is melatonin, which data suggest helps workers who must switch between day and night shifts, and for managing jet lag. \"But the effect is very small in comparison to a prescription sleep aid,\" she says, \"and there's no long-term safety data.\"\n\n\"We don't know how these things work, and there's no evidence that the effect will predictable or repeatable from person to person,\" she says. \"If you're looking for something that's not prescription-based, have a conversation with your physician up front. The key is finding something that's safe and doesn't interact with any other medications you're taking.\"\n\nSnoozeville\n\nGiven that individuals tend to react differently to these supplements, I wondered how I would fare in a test group of one. I've long had trouble sleeping—rousing a lot during the night and waking much too early. I'm not interested in prescription sleep aids or over-the-counter drugs like diphenhydramine (Benadryl and Sominex) or doxylamine (Unisom), which can lead to tolerance issues if taken regularly. However, the thought of taking a chamomile capsule after dinner didn't seem so bad. So I rounded up eight alternative sleep aids—five single-supplement products and three \"cocktails\" of a variety of supplements—and took them semi-randomly over the course of about six weeks. The cocktail supplement market is vast, but if you check ingredient labels you'll find that the three I chose are fairly representative.\n\nClinicians and drug companies alike generally consider three categories when determining the effectiveness of a sleep aid: how much it shortens the time needed to fall asleep, how much it increases the total amount of sleep experienced, and the severity of drowsiness—the \"hangover effect\"—experienced the next day.\n\nThe quality and depth of sleep can be measured with sleep monitoring equipment; I used a [Withings Aura](http:\/\/www.withings.com\/us\/withings-aura.html) to measure the amount of REM sleep I was getting each night. I then used this information in combination with a daily sleep log (which I highly recommend even if you aren't experimenting with sleep aids) that I kept throughout the experiment, never taking the same sleep aid for two consecutive nights, and taking nothing at all for many nights to ensure my system was \"clean\" for the next go-round. In my sleep log, each night I gave the prior night's sleep a \"quality rating\" from 1 (nonstop insomnia) to 10 (perfect sleep). As a sort of master measurement of the night, I multiplied this rating by the total amount of sleep I achieved in hours, so a total \"sleep score\" of 80 points—8 hours of level 10 sleep—would be perfect.\n\nMost Popular\n\n- [![How to Use Google Chrome’s New AI-Powered ‘Skills’](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/69de127eafcadeb88c9c4080\/1:1\/w_120%2Ch_120%2Cc_limit\/undefined)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/how-to-use-google-chrome-ai-powered-skills\/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2)\n  \n  How To and Advice\n  \n  [How to Use Google Chrome’s New AI-Powered ‘Skills’](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/how-to-use-google-chrome-ai-powered-skills\/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2)\n  \n  By Reece Rogers\n- [![The Most WIRED Watches at Watches and Wonders 2026](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/69dd227382626796181b9598\/1:1\/w_120%2Ch_120%2Cc_limit\/undefined)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/most-wired-watches-at-watches-and-wonders-2026\/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2)\n  \n  Gear\n  \n  [The Most WIRED Watches at Watches and Wonders 2026](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/most-wired-watches-at-watches-and-wonders-2026\/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2)\n  \n  By Jeremy White\n- [![I Tested the MacBook Neo and the MacBook Air. Here's Which One You Should Buy](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/69d92fd76de370806bb16143\/1:1\/w_120%2Ch_120%2Cc_limit\/undefined)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/macbook-neo-vs-macbook-air\/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2)\n  \n  Computers\n  \n  [I Tested the MacBook Neo and the MacBook Air. Here's Which One You Should Buy](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/macbook-neo-vs-macbook-air\/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2)\n  \n  By Luke Larsen\n- [![You Can Soon Buy a \\$4,370 Humanoid Robot on AliExpress](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/69dd62de5630ccde90450adb\/1:1\/w_120%2Ch_120%2Cc_limit\/undefined)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/unitree-r1-humanoid-robot-for-sale-on-aliexpress\/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2)\n  \n  Gear\n  \n  [You Can Soon Buy a \\$4,370 Humanoid Robot on AliExpress](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/unitree-r1-humanoid-robot-for-sale-on-aliexpress\/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2)\n  \n  By Marco Trabucchi\n\nIt can't be noted strenuously enough that this is a thoroughly unscientific test and my experiences should not be seen as representative of how anyone else may respond to these supplements, or as a benchmark for their effectiveness. Rather, my intent is to investigate how widely variable sleep aids like these can be outside of the lab while offering my own anecdotal evidence about what worked as a baseline for further investigation.\n\nAs well, remember that many things can impact how you sleep. What you eat, what you drink, evening exercise, late-night brain stimulation (like watching TV or playing games), pets in the room, temperature, ambient noise and light, and who knows what else can each have a severe impact on how well you sleep. Supplements are only one piece of the puzzle, but the question is whether they can genuinely help to overcome those other elements.\n\nStill, consider those elements before thinking about a supplement. \"Look at your overall sleep habits and your environment before you engage with a sleep aid,\" Makekau says. \"Make sleep a priority, get exercise during the day, and avoid things like alcohol and caffeine.\"\n\nThe Players\n\nI investigated five single-product supplements. Prices are approximate based on larger capacity bottles.\n\n• *Melatonin* (4¢\/dose). The big name in alternative sleep aids, this is a hormone that builds in the body as it gets darker outside.  \n• *Valerian Root* (8¢\/dose). A flowering herb that has sedative effects. The root is powdered and put into a capsule.  \n• *Chamomile* (10¢\/dose). The same stuff that's in herbal tea. The flowers of this plant are used for a wide variety of ailments, including indigestion and anxiety.  \n• *Lemon balm* (18¢\/dose). Also known as Melissa. It's part of the mint family (not the lemon family) and finds a home in aromatherapy and culinary uses. Tea made from lemon balm is used as a mild sedative.  \n• *L-tryptophan* (45¢\/dose). An amino acid and a precursor to serotonin and melatonin in the brain. Famously thought to be in high concentrations in turkey (but not really), it's also used to improve mood.\n\nThe three \"cocktails\" I sampled included these products:\n\n• [*Somnis*](http:\/\/sleepsomnis.com\/) (30¢\/dose). A mix of L-tryptophan, melatonin, and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA).  \n• [*Serenity*](http:\/\/serenity.eunatural.com\/) (\\$1.33\/dose). Valerian root, passion flower extract, magnolia bark, jujube, chamomile, L-theanine, 5-HTP, melatonin, and something called BioPerine (a black pepper extract), plus a smattering of vitamins.  \n• [*Luna*](http:\/\/www.intranaturals.com\/) (73¢\/dose). L-theanine, valerian root, chamomile, passion flower, lemon balm, hops flower, L-taurine, and melatonin, plus magnesium.\n\nThe Results\n\nAfter weeks of testing, my personal results were far from what I expected. The biggest surprise was that, based on my sleep log and the Aura data, I found I'd been sleeping better than I thought, even when I didn't take anything. With no supplement, I was getting a baseline of 6.85 hours of sleep at an average 6.6 quality rating for a total sleep score of 46 points. Not bad, and the Aura reported 1.46 hours of REM sleep each night, which was also surprisingly good.\n\nWhen looking at the overall amount of sleep I got while using a single supplement, L-tryptophan came out on top. On nights I took L-tryptophan, I got 7.53 hours of sleep, significantly above any other alternative. The downside was the quality of that sleep, which I rated at only a 6.5, for an average sleep score of 49 points. That's all pretty good, but the whole jellied muscles business put me off a bit, so ultimately I'm not sure it's a great option for sustained use.\n\nMost Popular\n\n- [![How to Use Google Chrome’s New AI-Powered ‘Skills’](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/69de127eafcadeb88c9c4080\/1:1\/w_120%2Ch_120%2Cc_limit\/undefined)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/how-to-use-google-chrome-ai-powered-skills\/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2)\n  \n  How To and Advice\n  \n  [How to Use Google Chrome’s New AI-Powered ‘Skills’](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/how-to-use-google-chrome-ai-powered-skills\/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2)\n  \n  By Reece Rogers\n- [![The Most WIRED Watches at Watches and Wonders 2026](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/69dd227382626796181b9598\/1:1\/w_120%2Ch_120%2Cc_limit\/undefined)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/most-wired-watches-at-watches-and-wonders-2026\/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2)\n  \n  Gear\n  \n  [The Most WIRED Watches at Watches and Wonders 2026](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/most-wired-watches-at-watches-and-wonders-2026\/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2)\n  \n  By Jeremy White\n- [![I Tested the MacBook Neo and the MacBook Air. Here's Which One You Should Buy](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/69d92fd76de370806bb16143\/1:1\/w_120%2Ch_120%2Cc_limit\/undefined)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/macbook-neo-vs-macbook-air\/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2)\n  \n  Computers\n  \n  [I Tested the MacBook Neo and the MacBook Air. Here's Which One You Should Buy](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/macbook-neo-vs-macbook-air\/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2)\n  \n  By Luke Larsen\n- [![You Can Soon Buy a \\$4,370 Humanoid Robot on AliExpress](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/69dd62de5630ccde90450adb\/1:1\/w_120%2Ch_120%2Cc_limit\/undefined)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/unitree-r1-humanoid-robot-for-sale-on-aliexpress\/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2)\n  \n  Gear\n  \n  [You Can Soon Buy a \\$4,370 Humanoid Robot on AliExpress](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/unitree-r1-humanoid-robot-for-sale-on-aliexpress\/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2)\n  \n  By Marco Trabucchi\n\nHow about sleep quality? Looking at all the single-product supplements, chamomile gave me the soundest night's sleep—so deep one night that my wife reported she was unable to rouse me during a snoring jag. I gave those nights an average quality rating of 7.3, and the 7.18 average hours of sleep I got was also noticeably higher than the no-meds nights. The net sleep score of 52 points earned chamomile the top spot among the single-supplement products.\n\nSurprisingly, none of the other three supplements were effective for me, and all netted lower total sleep times and lower quality ratings than using nothing at all.\n\nMelatonin was the big surprise. Some of my worst nights I experienced during testing were ones in which I'd taken this drug. After melatonin, I tossed and turned in bed, waking repeatedly throughout the night—once close to a dozen times. The next morning I invariably experienced a severe hangover effect, groggy for hours.\n\nValerian was not much better. On this drug I experienced wild dreams, lots of waking, and extreme next-morning fatigue. The valerian pills also smelled awful, like pungent, wet cardboard, a problem not to be underestimated when you have to choke it down at bedtime. But the absolute worst was lemon balm. The first night I tried it I woke repeatedly with an unbearably full bladder. Three lengthy trips to the bathroom later, lemon balm's apparent diuretic effect started causing significant concern. I discontinued it soon after for fear of kidney damage or worse.\n\nThe three cocktails performed better than most of the individual supplements, but only Serenity and Luna did significantly better at giving me extra time asleep, and only Serenity offered any improvement in sleep quality. In fact, Serenity provided some of my best numbers across the board—7.26 hours of total sleep, 1.80 hours of REM sleep (vs. 1.46 hours with no supplement), a 7.7 sleep quality rating, and a total sleep score of 56. The only problem is that, as with valerian, Serenity smells so hideous it is physically difficult to choke down. At \\$1.33 per dose, it's by far the most expensive solution I tested.\n\nLuna had similar total sleep numbers to Serenity, but provided less REM and only a 6.4 quality rating for a net sleep score of 46, the same as sleeping without a supplement. Somnis's 6.88 total sleep hours made it an also ran—largely thanks to one night where I spent more than two hours trying to get to sleep—with a total sleep score of 43.\n\nWhat happens now? While I'll probably keep both Serenity and chamomile in my arsenal in case of insomnia—and to attempt to help with jet lag when traveling internationally—I'm not planning to take any of these supplements on a regular basis, as it seems, in the end, I sleep well enough without them. Just remember that if you decide to try any of these for yourself, your mileage will, without a doubt, vary.\n\nChart: Sleep supplements by the numbers\n\nSupplement\n\nSleep (hrs)\n\nQuality Rating\n\nSleep score\n\n*None*\n\n6\\.85\n\n6\\.6\n\n46\n\n*Serenity*\n\n7\\.26\n\n7\\.7\n\n56\n\n*Chamomile*\n\n7\\.18\n\n7\\.3\n\n52\n\n*L-tryptophan*\n\n7\\.53\n\n6\\.5\n\n49\n\n*Luna*\n\n7\\.26\n\n6\\.3\n\n46\n\n*Somnis*\n\n6\\.88\n\n6\\.3\n\n43\n\n*Valerian root*\n\n6\\.80\n\n5\\.0\n\n34\n\n*Melatonin*\n\n5\\.67\n\n3\\.7\n\n21\n\n*Lemon balm*\n\n6\\.70\n\n3\\.0\n\n20\n\n## Comments\n[Back to top](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/2015\/04\/sleep-aids\/#main-content)\n\nThere aren’t any comments yet.\n\nBe the first to start the conversation\\!  \n You need an account to add or like comments.\n\n[Sign in or create account](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/auth\/initiate?redirectURL=%2F2015%2F04%2Fsleep-aids%2F%3Fsource%3DCOMMUNITY_LOGIN%23leave-a-rating&source=COMMUNITY_LOGIN)\n\n[![](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/6694090b6829ee4a4e9ee050\/1:1\/w_90%2Cc_limit\/Chris%2520Null-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/author\/christopher-null\/)\n\n[Christopher Null](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/author\/christopher-null\/), a longtime technology journalist, is a contributor to WIRED and the editor of Drinkhacker. Chris is among our lead laptop reviewers and leads WIRED's coverage of hearing aids. He was previously executive editor of PC Computing magazine and the founding editor in chief of Mobile magazine. ... [Read More](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/author\/christopher-null)\n\nTopics[Biology](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/tag\/biology\/)[health](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/tag\/health\/)[medicine](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/tag\/medicine\/)[Reviews](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/tag\/reviews\/)\n\n### Hardwired to Find the Best of the Best\nUpgrade your life with our *Gear* newsletter—get expert-tested product reviews, buying guides, deals, and how-to’s.\n\nRead More\n\n[![You Might Be Drinking Coffee at All the Wrong Times](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/69cb7fa1c2d788703969d235\/16:9\/w_640%2Cc_limit\/undefined)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/when-to-drink-coffee-optimization\/#intcid=_wired-article-bottom-recirc_3a9d0594-5ef8-4571-8dd4-9b6936bac4d8_roberta-similarity1)\n\n[You Might Be Drinking Coffee at All the Wrong Times](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/when-to-drink-coffee-optimization\/#intcid=_wired-article-bottom-recirc_3a9d0594-5ef8-4571-8dd4-9b6936bac4d8_roberta-similarity1)\n\nCaffeine is the original biohack for energy, focus, and alertness. But are you doing it wrong?\n\nMatthew Korfhage\n\n[![The Simple, Affordable Coros Pace 4 Gives Garmin a Serious Run for Its Money](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/69dd69b34d7aa595e8d4792f\/16:9\/w_640%2Cc_limit\/undefined)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/coros-instead-of-garmin-2026\/#intcid=_wired-article-bottom-recirc_3a9d0594-5ef8-4571-8dd4-9b6936bac4d8_roberta-similarity1)\n\n[The Simple, Affordable Coros Pace 4 Gives Garmin a Serious Run for Its Money](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/coros-instead-of-garmin-2026\/#intcid=_wired-article-bottom-recirc_3a9d0594-5ef8-4571-8dd4-9b6936bac4d8_roberta-similarity1)\n\nThe Coros Pace 4’s long battery life, training tools, and accessible price point are all reasons why you should reconsider getting a Garmin.\n\nKieran Alger\n\n[![A New Implant Aims to Rewire the Brain to Help Stroke Patients](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/69cd4de4db42d7e554e1433d\/16:9\/w_640%2Cc_limit\/undefined)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/a-new-implant-aims-to-rewire-the-brain-to-help-stroke-patients\/#intcid=_wired-article-bottom-recirc_3a9d0594-5ef8-4571-8dd4-9b6936bac4d8_roberta-similarity1)\n\n[A New Implant Aims to Rewire the Brain to Help Stroke Patients](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/a-new-implant-aims-to-rewire-the-brain-to-help-stroke-patients\/#intcid=_wired-article-bottom-recirc_3a9d0594-5ef8-4571-8dd4-9b6936bac4d8_roberta-similarity1)\n\nEpia Neuro’s brain-computer interface will include a motorized glove to help stroke patients recover movement in their hand.\n\nEmily Mullin\n\n[![Your Vape Wants to Know How Old You Are](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/69c6b32db2e9941fa7bff508\/16:9\/w_640%2Cc_limit\/undefined)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/your-vape-wants-to-know-how-old-you-are\/#intcid=_wired-article-bottom-recirc_3a9d0594-5ef8-4571-8dd4-9b6936bac4d8_roberta-similarity1)\n\n[Your Vape Wants to Know How Old You Are](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/your-vape-wants-to-know-how-old-you-are\/#intcid=_wired-article-bottom-recirc_3a9d0594-5ef8-4571-8dd4-9b6936bac4d8_roberta-similarity1)\n\nCompanies hope that biometric age-verification tech in cartridges could put flavored vapes back in business. But it's unlikely to solve the real problems.\n\nBoone Ashworth\n\n[![How to Organize Your Random Box of Cables and the Rest of Your Tech](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/69b9dbb9a5694fbea42e20e1\/16:9\/w_640%2Cc_limit\/undefined)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/how-to-tidy-your-tech\/#intcid=_wired-article-bottom-recirc_3a9d0594-5ef8-4571-8dd4-9b6936bac4d8_roberta-similarity1)\n\n[How to Organize Your Random Box of Cables and the Rest of Your Tech](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/how-to-tidy-your-tech\/#intcid=_wired-article-bottom-recirc_3a9d0594-5ef8-4571-8dd4-9b6936bac4d8_roberta-similarity1)\n\nYou will never need that weird charger from 2012. These tips to tidy up your tech will help you sort out your cable collection, organize your gadgets, and get rid of aging ones.\n\nSimon Hill\n\n[![The Screenmaxxers Who Spend Every Waking Hour on Their Phones](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/69d6e7052420b577665f5ee9\/16:9\/w_640%2Cc_limit\/undefined)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/the-screenmaxxers-who-spend-every-waking-hour-on-their-phones\/#intcid=_wired-article-bottom-recirc_3a9d0594-5ef8-4571-8dd4-9b6936bac4d8_roberta-similarity1)\n\n[The Screenmaxxers Who Spend Every Waking Hour on Their Phones](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/the-screenmaxxers-who-spend-every-waking-hour-on-their-phones\/#intcid=_wired-article-bottom-recirc_3a9d0594-5ef8-4571-8dd4-9b6936bac4d8_roberta-similarity1)\n\nAs debates over social media addiction rage, people with extreme screen times tell WIRED they have no plans to cut back.\n\nMiles Klee\n\n[![I Tested Every New Garmin Training Feature, From Food Tracking to Sports Scores](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/69cf20903e54d222a170513d\/16:9\/w_640%2Cc_limit\/undefined)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/garmin-training-features-2026\/#intcid=_wired-article-bottom-recirc_3a9d0594-5ef8-4571-8dd4-9b6936bac4d8_roberta-similarity1)\n\n[I Tested Every New Garmin Training Feature, From Food Tracking to Sports Scores](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/garmin-training-features-2026\/#intcid=_wired-article-bottom-recirc_3a9d0594-5ef8-4571-8dd4-9b6936bac4d8_roberta-similarity1)\n\nNutrition tracking? *Gear* tracking? Garmin’s latest software updates aim to add value to the company’s line of premium sports watches.\n\nMichael Sawh\n\n[![Firewire's Neutrino Looks Like an Ironing Board and Takes Off Like a Shot](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/69bc64b1c99835506649d443\/16:9\/w_640%2Cc_limit\/undefined)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/firewire-neutrino-surfboard-rave\/#intcid=_wired-article-bottom-recirc_3a9d0594-5ef8-4571-8dd4-9b6936bac4d8_roberta-similarity1)\n\n[Firewire's Neutrino Looks Like an Ironing Board and Takes Off Like a Shot](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/firewire-neutrino-surfboard-rave\/#intcid=_wired-article-bottom-recirc_3a9d0594-5ef8-4571-8dd4-9b6936bac4d8_roberta-similarity1)\n\nFirewire makes the most innovative surfboards in the industry. This winter, I tried the Neutrino, Machado, and Revo Max to see if they're worth the hype.\n\nBrent Rose\n\n[![What Is the Best Garmin Watch Right Now?](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/69c6b3f2b2e9941fa7bff511\/16:9\/w_640%2Cc_limit\/undefined)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/best-garmin-watch\/#intcid=_wired-article-bottom-recirc_3a9d0594-5ef8-4571-8dd4-9b6936bac4d8_roberta-similarity1)\n\n[What Is the Best Garmin Watch Right Now?](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/best-garmin-watch\/#intcid=_wired-article-bottom-recirc_3a9d0594-5ef8-4571-8dd4-9b6936bac4d8_roberta-similarity1)\n\nWe tested Garmin’s GPS-enabled fitness trackers and found the perfect picks for casual hikers, backcountry skiers, and more.\n\nAdrienne So\n\n[![Bought Your First House? You'll Need These 3 Tools](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/69dd427930b9026e2feee61b\/16:9\/w_640%2Cc_limit\/undefined)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/three-power-tools-you-need\/#intcid=_wired-article-bottom-recirc_3a9d0594-5ef8-4571-8dd4-9b6936bac4d8_roberta-similarity1)\n\n[Bought Your First House? You'll Need These 3 Tools](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/three-power-tools-you-need\/#intcid=_wired-article-bottom-recirc_3a9d0594-5ef8-4571-8dd4-9b6936bac4d8_roberta-similarity1)\n\nNew to DIY and home repair? These are the essential power tools that will make your life easier, no matter what you’re building and repairing.\n\nScott Gilbertson\n\n[![The Best Water Filter Pitchers for PFAS- and Lead-Free Living](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/69d98a89b8bdc021bdac9dec\/16:9\/w_640%2Cc_limit\/undefined)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/best-water-filter-pitchers\/#intcid=_wired-article-bottom-recirc_3a9d0594-5ef8-4571-8dd4-9b6936bac4d8_roberta-similarity1)\n\n[The Best Water Filter Pitchers for PFAS- and Lead-Free Living](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/best-water-filter-pitchers\/#intcid=_wired-article-bottom-recirc_3a9d0594-5ef8-4571-8dd4-9b6936bac4d8_roberta-similarity1)\n\nWater filters promise the moon—but only some back up their claims. Here are the best filtered-water pitchers for those who prefer their water free of heavy metals and forever chemicals.\n\nMatthew Korfhage\n\n[![There’s a Secret Ingredient to Making Luxury Ice at Home](https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/69da3fb56a028c3e99e24f05\/16:9\/w_640%2Cc_limit\/undefined)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/secret-ingredient-to-making-luxury-ice-at-home\/#intcid=_wired-article-bottom-recirc_3a9d0594-5ef8-4571-8dd4-9b6936bac4d8_roberta-similarity1)\n\n[There’s a Secret Ingredient to Making Luxury Ice at Home](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/secret-ingredient-to-making-luxury-ice-at-home\/#intcid=_wired-article-bottom-recirc_3a9d0594-5ef8-4571-8dd4-9b6936bac4d8_roberta-similarity1)\n\nNice ice is big business, but you can get perfectly clear cubes at home without freezing your assets.\n\nJeremy White\n\n## Wired Coupons\n[![https:\/\/www.wired.com\/coupon-element\/static\/shop\/54226\/logo\/t-mobile\\_promo\\_code.png](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/coupon-element\/static\/shop\/54226\/logo\/t-mobile_promo_code.png)T-Mobile Promo Code Samsung Gs25+ Free With T-mobile for Business Supermobile](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/t-mobile-business-promo-code\/ \"T-Mobile Promo Code\")\n\n[![https:\/\/www.wired.com\/coupon-element\/static\/shop\/52309\/logo\/squarespace\\_promo\\_code.png](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/coupon-element\/static\/shop\/52309\/logo\/squarespace_promo_code.png)Squarespace Promo Code Squarespace Promo Code: 20% Off Annual Acuity Subscriptions](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/squarespace-promo-code\/ \"Squarespace Promo Code\")\n\n[![https:\/\/www.wired.com\/coupon-element\/static\/shop\/52280\/logo\/lg\\_promo\\_code.png](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/coupon-element\/static\/shop\/52280\/logo\/lg_promo_code.png)LG Promo Code LG Discount Code: 10% Off Any Purchase](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/lg-promo-code\/ \"LG Promo Code\")\n\n[![https:\/\/www.wired.com\/coupon-element\/static\/shop\/52269\/logo\/dell\\_coupon\\_code.png](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/coupon-element\/static\/shop\/52269\/logo\/dell_coupon_code.png)Dell Coupon Code 10% Off Dell Coupon Code for New Customers](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/dell-coupon-code\/ \"Dell Coupon Code\")\n\n[![https:\/\/www.wired.com\/coupon-element\/static\/shop\/52261\/logo\/samsung\\_promo\\_code(2).png](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/coupon-element\/static\/shop\/52261\/logo\/samsung_promo_code\$2\$.png)Samsung Promo Code 30% Samsung Coupon - Offer Program 2026](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/samsung-promo-codes\/ \"Samsung Promo Code\")\n\n[![https:\/\/www.wired.com\/coupon-element\/static\/shop\/52272\/logo\/canon\\_promo\\_code.png](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/coupon-element\/static\/shop\/52272\/logo\/canon_promo_code.png)Canon Promo Code 10% Off Canon Promo Code + Up to 30% Off](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/canon-promo-code\/ \"Canon Promo Code\")\n\n[![ZOOM IN \\<br\\> Insights at the intersection of technology, power, and culture \\<br\\> Subscribe today for only \\<del\\>\\$4\\<\/del\\> \\<strong\\>\\$2\/month\\<\/strong\\> and get access to exclusive benefits including \\<strong\\>5 all-new premium newsletters.\\<\/strong\\> \\<br\\> CTA:SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/assets.bonappetit.com\/photos\/686ea46a1d57bf34560db527\/original\/pass\/Wired_Zoom_Footer_Desktop_940x140_v2e.gif?format=original)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/v2\/offers\/wira01035?source=Site_0_JNY_WIR_DESKTOP_FOOTER_0_US_ACQ_NLI_QUICK_PAY_GENERIC_ZZ_PANELB)\n\n[![WIRED](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/verso\/static\/wired-us\/assets\/logo-reverse.svg)](https:\/\/www.wired.com\/)\n\nWIRED is obsessed with what comes next. 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All rights reserved. *WIRED* may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. [Ad Choices](http:\/\/www.aboutads.info\/)\n\n###### Select international site\nUnited States\n\n- [Italia](https:\/\/www.wired.it\/)\n- [Japón](https:\/\/wired.jp\/)\n- [Czech Republic & Slovakia](https:\/\/www.wired.cz\/)\n\nYour Privacy Choices","attrs_readable_markdown":"It can't be noted strenuously enough that this is a thoroughly unscientific test and my experiences should not be seen as representative of how anyone else may respond to these supplements, or as a benchmark for their effectiveness. Rather, my intent is to investigate how widely variable sleep aids like these can be outside of the lab while offering my own anecdotal evidence about what worked as a baseline for further investigation.\n\nAs well, remember that many things can impact how you sleep. What you eat, what you drink, evening exercise, late-night brain stimulation (like watching TV or playing games), pets in the room, temperature, ambient noise and light, and who knows what else can each have a severe impact on how well you sleep. Supplements are only one piece of the puzzle, but the question is whether they can genuinely help to overcome those other elements.\n\nStill, consider those elements before thinking about a supplement. \"Look at your overall sleep habits and your environment before you engage with a sleep aid,\" Makekau says. \"Make sleep a priority, get exercise during the day, and avoid things like alcohol and caffeine.\"\n\nThe Players\n\nI investigated five single-product supplements. Prices are approximate based on larger capacity bottles.\n\n• *Melatonin* (4¢\/dose). The big name in alternative sleep aids, this is a hormone that builds in the body as it gets darker outside.  \n• *Valerian Root* (8¢\/dose). A flowering herb that has sedative effects. The root is powdered and put into a capsule.  \n• *Chamomile* (10¢\/dose). The same stuff that's in herbal tea. The flowers of this plant are used for a wide variety of ailments, including indigestion and anxiety.  \n• *Lemon balm* (18¢\/dose). Also known as Melissa. It's part of the mint family (not the lemon family) and finds a home in aromatherapy and culinary uses. Tea made from lemon balm is used as a mild sedative.  \n• *L-tryptophan* (45¢\/dose). An amino acid and a precursor to serotonin and melatonin in the brain. Famously thought to be in high concentrations in turkey (but not really), it's also used to improve mood.\n\nThe three \"cocktails\" I sampled included these products:\n\n• [*Somnis*](http:\/\/sleepsomnis.com\/) (30¢\/dose). A mix of L-tryptophan, melatonin, and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA).  \n• [*Serenity*](http:\/\/serenity.eunatural.com\/) (\\$1.33\/dose). Valerian root, passion flower extract, magnolia bark, jujube, chamomile, L-theanine, 5-HTP, melatonin, and something called BioPerine (a black pepper extract), plus a smattering of vitamins.  \n• [*Luna*](http:\/\/www.intranaturals.com\/) (73¢\/dose). L-theanine, valerian root, chamomile, passion flower, lemon balm, hops flower, L-taurine, and melatonin, plus magnesium.\n\nThe Results\n\nAfter weeks of testing, my personal results were far from what I expected. The biggest surprise was that, based on my sleep log and the Aura data, I found I'd been sleeping better than I thought, even when I didn't take anything. With no supplement, I was getting a baseline of 6.85 hours of sleep at an average 6.6 quality rating for a total sleep score of 46 points. Not bad, and the Aura reported 1.46 hours of REM sleep each night, which was also surprisingly good.\n\nWhen looking at the overall amount of sleep I got while using a single supplement, L-tryptophan came out on top. On nights I took L-tryptophan, I got 7.53 hours of sleep, significantly above any other alternative. The downside was the quality of that sleep, which I rated at only a 6.5, for an average sleep score of 49 points. That's all pretty good, but the whole jellied muscles business put me off a bit, so ultimately I'm not sure it's a great option for sustained use.","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	I Used Myself as a Guinea Pig for 8 Alternative Sleep Aids \| WIRED
Meta Description	We round up eight alternative sleep aids—five supplements and three "cocktails"—and swallowed them over the course of six weeks.
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Boilerpipe Text	It can't be noted strenuously enough that this is a thoroughly unscientific test and my experiences should not be seen as representative of how anyone else may respond to these supplements, or as a benchmark for their effectiveness. Rather, my intent is to investigate how widely variable sleep aids like these can be outside of the lab while offering my own anecdotal evidence about what worked as a baseline for further investigation. As well, remember that many things can impact how you sleep. What you eat, what you drink, evening exercise, late-night brain stimulation (like watching TV or playing games), pets in the room, temperature, ambient noise and light, and who knows what else can each have a severe impact on how well you sleep. Supplements are only one piece of the puzzle, but the question is whether they can genuinely help to overcome those other elements. Still, consider those elements before thinking about a supplement. "Look at your overall sleep habits and your environment before you engage with a sleep aid," Makekau says. "Make sleep a priority, get exercise during the day, and avoid things like alcohol and caffeine." The Players I investigated five single-product supplements. Prices are approximate based on larger capacity bottles. • Melatonin (4¢/dose). The big name in alternative sleep aids, this is a hormone that builds in the body as it gets darker outside. • Valerian Root (8¢/dose). A flowering herb that has sedative effects. The root is powdered and put into a capsule. • Chamomile (10¢/dose). The same stuff that's in herbal tea. The flowers of this plant are used for a wide variety of ailments, including indigestion and anxiety. • Lemon balm (18¢/dose). Also known as Melissa. It's part of the mint family (not the lemon family) and finds a home in aromatherapy and culinary uses. Tea made from lemon balm is used as a mild sedative. • L-tryptophan (45¢/dose). An amino acid and a precursor to serotonin and melatonin in the brain. Famously thought to be in high concentrations in turkey (but not really), it's also used to improve mood. The three "cocktails" I sampled included these products: • Somnis (30¢/dose). A mix of L-tryptophan, melatonin, and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). • Serenity ($1.33/dose). Valerian root, passion flower extract, magnolia bark, jujube, chamomile, L-theanine, 5-HTP, melatonin, and something called BioPerine (a black pepper extract), plus a smattering of vitamins. • Luna (73¢/dose). L-theanine, valerian root, chamomile, passion flower, lemon balm, hops flower, L-taurine, and melatonin, plus magnesium. The Results After weeks of testing, my personal results were far from what I expected. The biggest surprise was that, based on my sleep log and the Aura data, I found I'd been sleeping better than I thought, even when I didn't take anything. With no supplement, I was getting a baseline of 6.85 hours of sleep at an average 6.6 quality rating for a total sleep score of 46 points. Not bad, and the Aura reported 1.46 hours of REM sleep each night, which was also surprisingly good. When looking at the overall amount of sleep I got while using a single supplement, L-tryptophan came out on top. On nights I took L-tryptophan, I got 7.53 hours of sleep, significantly above any other alternative. The downside was the quality of that sleep, which I rated at only a 6.5, for an average sleep score of 49 points. That's all pretty good, but the whole jellied muscles business put me off a bit, so ultimately I'm not sure it's a great option for sustained use.
Markdown	[Skip to main content](https://www.wired.com/2015/04/sleep-aids/#main-content) [SECURITY](https://www.wired.com/category/security/) [POLITICS](https://www.wired.com/category/politics/) [THE BIG STORY](https://www.wired.com/category/big-story/) [BUSINESS](https://www.wired.com/category/business/) [SCIENCE](https://www.wired.com/category/science/) [CULTURE](https://www.wired.com/category/culture/) [REVIEWS](https://www.wired.com/category/gear/) [SUBSCRIBE](https://www.wired.com/v2/offers/wira01035?source=Site_0_JNY_WIR_DESKTOP_NAV_CTA_0_US_ACQ_NLI_QUICK_PAY_GENERIC_ZZ_PANELB) [Newsletters](https://www.wired.com/newsletter?sourceCode=hamburgernav) [SUBSCRIBE](https://www.wired.com/v2/offers/wira01035?source=Site_0_JNY_WIR_DESKTOP_NAV_CTA_0_US_ACQ_NLI_QUICK_PAY_GENERIC_ZZ_PANELB) ![Featured](https://www.wired.com/verso/static/wired-us/assets/wired-featured-logo.svg) [Best GoPro Camera](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-gopro-hero-camera/)[Dyson vs Shark](https://www.wired.com/story/dyson-shark-robot-vacuum-comparison/)[Smart Smoke Alarms](https://www.wired.com/story/should-smoke-alarms-be-smart/)[Best Standing Desks](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-standing-desks/)[Best Wi-Fi Routers](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-wifi-routers/)[Deals Delivered](https://www.wired.com/newsletter/gear?sourceCode=ArticleBannerGear) [Security](https://www.wired.com/category/security/) [Politics](https://www.wired.com/category/politics/) [The Big Story](https://www.wired.com/category/big-story/) [Business](https://www.wired.com/category/business/) [Science](https://www.wired.com/category/science/) [Culture](https://www.wired.com/category/culture/) [Reviews](https://www.wired.com/category/gear/) More [The Big Interview](https://www.wired.com/the-big-interview/)[Magazine](https://www.wired.com/magazine/)[Events](https://www.wired.com/tag/wired-events/)[WIRED Insider](https://www.wired.com/collection/wiredinsider/)[WIRED Consulting](https://www.wired.com/tag/wired-consulting/) [Newsletters](https://www.wired.com/newsletter?sourceCode=hamburgernav) [Podcasts](https://www.wired.com/podcasts/) [Video](https://www.wired.com/video/) [Livestreams](https://www.wired.com/livestreams) [Merch](https://shop.wired.com/) [Search](https://www.wired.com/search/) [Sign In](https://www.wired.com/auth/initiate?redirectURL=%2F2015%2F04%2Fsleep-aids%2F&source=VERSO_NAVIGATION) [START FREE TRIAL](https://www.wired.com/v2/offers/wira01035?source=Site_0_JNY_WIR_DESKTOP_JNY_WIR_GLOBAL_NAV_DRAWER_0_US_ACQ_NLI_QUICK_PAY_GENERIC_ZZ_PANELB) [![ZOOM IN \<br\> Subscribe today for only \<del\>\$4\</del\> \<strong\>\$2/month\</strong\> and get access to exclusive benefits including \<strong\>5 all-new premium newsletters.\</strong\> CTA:SUBSCRIBE](https://assets.bonappetit.com/photos/686ea38fcb59aaabef7a795d/original/pass/Wired_Zoom_Rollover_300x200_v2a_Shorter.gif?format=original)](https://www.wired.com/v2/offers/wira01035?source=Site_0_JNY_WIR_DESKTOP_NAV_ROLLOVER_0_US_ACQ_NLI_QUICK_PAY_GENERIC_ZZ_PANELB) [Sign In](https://www.wired.com/auth/initiate?redirectURL=%2F2015%2F04%2Fsleep-aids%2F&source=VERSO_NAVIGATION) The intersection of technology, power, and culture. Start your free trial and get access to 5 all-new premium newsletters. [START FREE TRIAL](https://www.wired.com/v2/offers/wira01035?source=Site_0_JNY_WIR_DESKTOP_PAYWALL_THIN_METER_ARTICLE_1_0_US_ACQ_NLI_QUICK_PAY_GENERIC_ZZ_PANELB) [Christopher Null](https://www.wired.com/author/christopher-null/) [Gear](https://www.wired.com/category/gear) Apr 20, 2015 7:00 AM # I Used Myself as a Guinea Pig for 8 Alternative Sleep Aids We round up eight alternative sleep aids—five supplements and three "cocktails"—and swallowed them over the course of six weeks. ![pillsft](https://media.wired.com/photos/59e9559e791cc9198b92bda3/3:2/w_2560%2Cc_limit/pills-ft.jpg) Josh Valcarcel/WIRED Comments Save this story Comments Save this story All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. [Learn more.](https://www.wired.com/about/affiliate-link-policy/) Can't sleep? You're not alone. Some [70 million Americans](http://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_us.htm) have chronic sleep problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And it's about far more than feeling tired all the time. Sleep deprivation is a contributor to a host of medical issues ranging from obesity to mental illness to "poor quality of life and well-being." That explains the explosive market for prescription drugs that help you sleep. Driven by sales of Lunesta, the prescription sleep aid market hit \$1.48 billion in 2013, according to IMS Health. Prescription sleeping pills may be popular, but they can be dicey—the tales of side effects for drugs like [Ambien](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/1913066.stm) and [Halcion](http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/21/movies/mike-nichols-celebrated-director-dies-at-83.html?_r=1) are legendary. This has led many to explore herbs, natural remedies, and over-the-counter products that, in theory, have fewer ill effects. But do they work? Trending Now [Surgeon Explains How to Tie Surgical Knots](https://www.wired.com/video/watch/surgeon-explains-how-to-tie-surgical-knots) I asked [Dr. Shanon Makekau](https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health/care/!ut/p/a0/FchBDoMgEAXQs3gA8xdibNz1AF25aGH3MxAlOECIbeLtq8v34PCBy_zFlUcsmftlq2fvixylzf7M1Ch4w8GlugQ22WBfTCHxe2dtXJWwufRC2cJ90cMaMw7TaFBVH4M-uz9VGo9O/), medical director of the sleep laboratory at the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group, about supplements like valerian root, melatonin, and tryptophan, and whether they have any legitimate medical value. She's pragmatic. "The bottom line is that the available alternatives are not really rooted in science," she says. "The studies that are out there, particularly on valerian and chamomile, are limited and small in number, and the results are inconclusive. That being said, I generally tell my patients that if they find a sleep aid anecdotally to be helpful and not harmful, I don't see anything wrong with it." Given some patients' concern with prescription drugs, Makekau understands the desire for alternatives, but stresses caution. "There are effective prescription medications," she notes, "but they are associated with negative side effects. But people need to know that even things over the counter can be harmful." She points to kava (related to severe liver damage) and l-tryptophan (associated with a rare and fatal muscle-jellifying disease called [Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eosinophilia%E2%80%93myalgia_syndrome)) as drugs to treat with special caution. Still, Makekau says most alternative sleep aids are thought to be safe, though they have little scientific backing. The exception is melatonin, which data suggest helps workers who must switch between day and night shifts, and for managing jet lag. "But the effect is very small in comparison to a prescription sleep aid," she says, "and there's no long-term safety data." "We don't know how these things work, and there's no evidence that the effect will predictable or repeatable from person to person," she says. "If you're looking for something that's not prescription-based, have a conversation with your physician up front. The key is finding something that's safe and doesn't interact with any other medications you're taking." Snoozeville Given that individuals tend to react differently to these supplements, I wondered how I would fare in a test group of one. I've long had trouble sleeping—rousing a lot during the night and waking much too early. I'm not interested in prescription sleep aids or over-the-counter drugs like diphenhydramine (Benadryl and Sominex) or doxylamine (Unisom), which can lead to tolerance issues if taken regularly. However, the thought of taking a chamomile capsule after dinner didn't seem so bad. So I rounded up eight alternative sleep aids—five single-supplement products and three "cocktails" of a variety of supplements—and took them semi-randomly over the course of about six weeks. The cocktail supplement market is vast, but if you check ingredient labels you'll find that the three I chose are fairly representative. Clinicians and drug companies alike generally consider three categories when determining the effectiveness of a sleep aid: how much it shortens the time needed to fall asleep, how much it increases the total amount of sleep experienced, and the severity of drowsiness—the "hangover effect"—experienced the next day. The quality and depth of sleep can be measured with sleep monitoring equipment; I used a [Withings Aura](http://www.withings.com/us/withings-aura.html) to measure the amount of REM sleep I was getting each night. I then used this information in combination with a daily sleep log (which I highly recommend even if you aren't experimenting with sleep aids) that I kept throughout the experiment, never taking the same sleep aid for two consecutive nights, and taking nothing at all for many nights to ensure my system was "clean" for the next go-round. In my sleep log, each night I gave the prior night's sleep a "quality rating" from 1 (nonstop insomnia) to 10 (perfect sleep). As a sort of master measurement of the night, I multiplied this rating by the total amount of sleep I achieved in hours, so a total "sleep score" of 80 points—8 hours of level 10 sleep—would be perfect. Most Popular - [![How to Use Google Chrome’s New AI-Powered ‘Skills’](https://media.wired.com/photos/69de127eafcadeb88c9c4080/1:1/w_120%2Ch_120%2Cc_limit/undefined)](https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-use-google-chrome-ai-powered-skills/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2) How To and Advice [How to Use Google Chrome’s New AI-Powered ‘Skills’](https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-use-google-chrome-ai-powered-skills/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2) By Reece Rogers - [![The Most WIRED Watches at Watches and Wonders 2026](https://media.wired.com/photos/69dd227382626796181b9598/1:1/w_120%2Ch_120%2Cc_limit/undefined)](https://www.wired.com/story/most-wired-watches-at-watches-and-wonders-2026/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2) Gear [The Most WIRED Watches at Watches and Wonders 2026](https://www.wired.com/story/most-wired-watches-at-watches-and-wonders-2026/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2) By Jeremy White - [![I Tested the MacBook Neo and the MacBook Air. Here's Which One You Should Buy](https://media.wired.com/photos/69d92fd76de370806bb16143/1:1/w_120%2Ch_120%2Cc_limit/undefined)](https://www.wired.com/story/macbook-neo-vs-macbook-air/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2) Computers [I Tested the MacBook Neo and the MacBook Air. Here's Which One You Should Buy](https://www.wired.com/story/macbook-neo-vs-macbook-air/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2) By Luke Larsen - [![You Can Soon Buy a \$4,370 Humanoid Robot on AliExpress](https://media.wired.com/photos/69dd62de5630ccde90450adb/1:1/w_120%2Ch_120%2Cc_limit/undefined)](https://www.wired.com/story/unitree-r1-humanoid-robot-for-sale-on-aliexpress/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2) Gear [You Can Soon Buy a \$4,370 Humanoid Robot on AliExpress](https://www.wired.com/story/unitree-r1-humanoid-robot-for-sale-on-aliexpress/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2) By Marco Trabucchi It can't be noted strenuously enough that this is a thoroughly unscientific test and my experiences should not be seen as representative of how anyone else may respond to these supplements, or as a benchmark for their effectiveness. Rather, my intent is to investigate how widely variable sleep aids like these can be outside of the lab while offering my own anecdotal evidence about what worked as a baseline for further investigation. As well, remember that many things can impact how you sleep. What you eat, what you drink, evening exercise, late-night brain stimulation (like watching TV or playing games), pets in the room, temperature, ambient noise and light, and who knows what else can each have a severe impact on how well you sleep. Supplements are only one piece of the puzzle, but the question is whether they can genuinely help to overcome those other elements. Still, consider those elements before thinking about a supplement. "Look at your overall sleep habits and your environment before you engage with a sleep aid," Makekau says. "Make sleep a priority, get exercise during the day, and avoid things like alcohol and caffeine." The Players I investigated five single-product supplements. Prices are approximate based on larger capacity bottles. • Melatonin (4¢/dose). The big name in alternative sleep aids, this is a hormone that builds in the body as it gets darker outside. • Valerian Root (8¢/dose). A flowering herb that has sedative effects. The root is powdered and put into a capsule. • Chamomile (10¢/dose). The same stuff that's in herbal tea. The flowers of this plant are used for a wide variety of ailments, including indigestion and anxiety. • Lemon balm (18¢/dose). Also known as Melissa. It's part of the mint family (not the lemon family) and finds a home in aromatherapy and culinary uses. Tea made from lemon balm is used as a mild sedative. • L-tryptophan (45¢/dose). An amino acid and a precursor to serotonin and melatonin in the brain. Famously thought to be in high concentrations in turkey (but not really), it's also used to improve mood. The three "cocktails" I sampled included these products: • [Somnis](http://sleepsomnis.com/) (30¢/dose). A mix of L-tryptophan, melatonin, and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). • [Serenity](http://serenity.eunatural.com/) (\$1.33/dose). Valerian root, passion flower extract, magnolia bark, jujube, chamomile, L-theanine, 5-HTP, melatonin, and something called BioPerine (a black pepper extract), plus a smattering of vitamins. • [Luna](http://www.intranaturals.com/) (73¢/dose). L-theanine, valerian root, chamomile, passion flower, lemon balm, hops flower, L-taurine, and melatonin, plus magnesium. The Results After weeks of testing, my personal results were far from what I expected. The biggest surprise was that, based on my sleep log and the Aura data, I found I'd been sleeping better than I thought, even when I didn't take anything. With no supplement, I was getting a baseline of 6.85 hours of sleep at an average 6.6 quality rating for a total sleep score of 46 points. Not bad, and the Aura reported 1.46 hours of REM sleep each night, which was also surprisingly good. When looking at the overall amount of sleep I got while using a single supplement, L-tryptophan came out on top. On nights I took L-tryptophan, I got 7.53 hours of sleep, significantly above any other alternative. The downside was the quality of that sleep, which I rated at only a 6.5, for an average sleep score of 49 points. That's all pretty good, but the whole jellied muscles business put me off a bit, so ultimately I'm not sure it's a great option for sustained use. Most Popular - [![How to Use Google Chrome’s New AI-Powered ‘Skills’](https://media.wired.com/photos/69de127eafcadeb88c9c4080/1:1/w_120%2Ch_120%2Cc_limit/undefined)](https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-use-google-chrome-ai-powered-skills/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2) How To and Advice [How to Use Google Chrome’s New AI-Powered ‘Skills’](https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-use-google-chrome-ai-powered-skills/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2) By Reece Rogers - [![The Most WIRED Watches at Watches and Wonders 2026](https://media.wired.com/photos/69dd227382626796181b9598/1:1/w_120%2Ch_120%2Cc_limit/undefined)](https://www.wired.com/story/most-wired-watches-at-watches-and-wonders-2026/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2) Gear [The Most WIRED Watches at Watches and Wonders 2026](https://www.wired.com/story/most-wired-watches-at-watches-and-wonders-2026/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2) By Jeremy White - [![I Tested the MacBook Neo and the MacBook Air. Here's Which One You Should Buy](https://media.wired.com/photos/69d92fd76de370806bb16143/1:1/w_120%2Ch_120%2Cc_limit/undefined)](https://www.wired.com/story/macbook-neo-vs-macbook-air/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2) Computers [I Tested the MacBook Neo and the MacBook Air. Here's Which One You Should Buy](https://www.wired.com/story/macbook-neo-vs-macbook-air/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2) By Luke Larsen - [![You Can Soon Buy a \$4,370 Humanoid Robot on AliExpress](https://media.wired.com/photos/69dd62de5630ccde90450adb/1:1/w_120%2Ch_120%2Cc_limit/undefined)](https://www.wired.com/story/unitree-r1-humanoid-robot-for-sale-on-aliexpress/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2) Gear [You Can Soon Buy a \$4,370 Humanoid Robot on AliExpress](https://www.wired.com/story/unitree-r1-humanoid-robot-for-sale-on-aliexpress/#intcid=_wired-gear-right-rail_7892cd38-7ae6-4273-a9d6-10bb181e0b97_popular4-2) By Marco Trabucchi How about sleep quality? Looking at all the single-product supplements, chamomile gave me the soundest night's sleep—so deep one night that my wife reported she was unable to rouse me during a snoring jag. I gave those nights an average quality rating of 7.3, and the 7.18 average hours of sleep I got was also noticeably higher than the no-meds nights. The net sleep score of 52 points earned chamomile the top spot among the single-supplement products. Surprisingly, none of the other three supplements were effective for me, and all netted lower total sleep times and lower quality ratings than using nothing at all. Melatonin was the big surprise. Some of my worst nights I experienced during testing were ones in which I'd taken this drug. After melatonin, I tossed and turned in bed, waking repeatedly throughout the night—once close to a dozen times. The next morning I invariably experienced a severe hangover effect, groggy for hours. Valerian was not much better. On this drug I experienced wild dreams, lots of waking, and extreme next-morning fatigue. The valerian pills also smelled awful, like pungent, wet cardboard, a problem not to be underestimated when you have to choke it down at bedtime. But the absolute worst was lemon balm. The first night I tried it I woke repeatedly with an unbearably full bladder. Three lengthy trips to the bathroom later, lemon balm's apparent diuretic effect started causing significant concern. I discontinued it soon after for fear of kidney damage or worse. The three cocktails performed better than most of the individual supplements, but only Serenity and Luna did significantly better at giving me extra time asleep, and only Serenity offered any improvement in sleep quality. In fact, Serenity provided some of my best numbers across the board—7.26 hours of total sleep, 1.80 hours of REM sleep (vs. 1.46 hours with no supplement), a 7.7 sleep quality rating, and a total sleep score of 56. The only problem is that, as with valerian, Serenity smells so hideous it is physically difficult to choke down. At \$1.33 per dose, it's by far the most expensive solution I tested. Luna had similar total sleep numbers to Serenity, but provided less REM and only a 6.4 quality rating for a net sleep score of 46, the same as sleeping without a supplement. Somnis's 6.88 total sleep hours made it an also ran—largely thanks to one night where I spent more than two hours trying to get to sleep—with a total sleep score of 43. What happens now? While I'll probably keep both Serenity and chamomile in my arsenal in case of insomnia—and to attempt to help with jet lag when traveling internationally—I'm not planning to take any of these supplements on a regular basis, as it seems, in the end, I sleep well enough without them. Just remember that if you decide to try any of these for yourself, your mileage will, without a doubt, vary. Chart: Sleep supplements by the numbers Supplement Sleep (hrs) Quality Rating Sleep score None 6\.85 6\.6 46 Serenity 7\.26 7\.7 56 Chamomile 7\.18 7\.3 52 L-tryptophan 7\.53 6\.5 49 Luna 7\.26 6\.3 46 Somnis 6\.88 6\.3 43 Valerian root 6\.80 5\.0 34 Melatonin 5\.67 3\.7 21 Lemon balm 6\.70 3\.0 20 ## Comments [Back to top](https://www.wired.com/2015/04/sleep-aids/#main-content) There aren’t any comments yet. Be the first to start the conversation\! You need an account to add or like comments. [Sign in or create account](https://www.wired.com/auth/initiate?redirectURL=%2F2015%2F04%2Fsleep-aids%2F%3Fsource%3DCOMMUNITY_LOGIN%23leave-a-rating&source=COMMUNITY_LOGIN) [![](https://media.wired.com/photos/6694090b6829ee4a4e9ee050/1:1/w_90%2Cc_limit/Chris%2520Null-2.jpg)](https://www.wired.com/author/christopher-null/) [Christopher Null](https://www.wired.com/author/christopher-null/), a longtime technology journalist, is a contributor to WIRED and the editor of Drinkhacker. Chris is among our lead laptop reviewers and leads WIRED's coverage of hearing aids. He was previously executive editor of PC Computing magazine and the founding editor in chief of Mobile magazine. ... [Read More](https://www.wired.com/author/christopher-null) Topics[Biology](https://www.wired.com/tag/biology/)[health](https://www.wired.com/tag/health/)[medicine](https://www.wired.com/tag/medicine/)[Reviews](https://www.wired.com/tag/reviews/) ### Hardwired to Find the Best of the Best Upgrade your life with our Gear newsletter—get expert-tested product reviews, buying guides, deals, and how-to’s. 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Readable Markdown	It can't be noted strenuously enough that this is a thoroughly unscientific test and my experiences should not be seen as representative of how anyone else may respond to these supplements, or as a benchmark for their effectiveness. Rather, my intent is to investigate how widely variable sleep aids like these can be outside of the lab while offering my own anecdotal evidence about what worked as a baseline for further investigation. As well, remember that many things can impact how you sleep. What you eat, what you drink, evening exercise, late-night brain stimulation (like watching TV or playing games), pets in the room, temperature, ambient noise and light, and who knows what else can each have a severe impact on how well you sleep. Supplements are only one piece of the puzzle, but the question is whether they can genuinely help to overcome those other elements. Still, consider those elements before thinking about a supplement. "Look at your overall sleep habits and your environment before you engage with a sleep aid," Makekau says. "Make sleep a priority, get exercise during the day, and avoid things like alcohol and caffeine." The Players I investigated five single-product supplements. Prices are approximate based on larger capacity bottles. • Melatonin (4¢/dose). The big name in alternative sleep aids, this is a hormone that builds in the body as it gets darker outside. • Valerian Root (8¢/dose). A flowering herb that has sedative effects. The root is powdered and put into a capsule. • Chamomile (10¢/dose). The same stuff that's in herbal tea. The flowers of this plant are used for a wide variety of ailments, including indigestion and anxiety. • Lemon balm (18¢/dose). Also known as Melissa. It's part of the mint family (not the lemon family) and finds a home in aromatherapy and culinary uses. Tea made from lemon balm is used as a mild sedative. • L-tryptophan (45¢/dose). An amino acid and a precursor to serotonin and melatonin in the brain. Famously thought to be in high concentrations in turkey (but not really), it's also used to improve mood. The three "cocktails" I sampled included these products: • [Somnis](http://sleepsomnis.com/) (30¢/dose). A mix of L-tryptophan, melatonin, and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). • [Serenity](http://serenity.eunatural.com/) (\$1.33/dose). Valerian root, passion flower extract, magnolia bark, jujube, chamomile, L-theanine, 5-HTP, melatonin, and something called BioPerine (a black pepper extract), plus a smattering of vitamins. • [Luna](http://www.intranaturals.com/) (73¢/dose). L-theanine, valerian root, chamomile, passion flower, lemon balm, hops flower, L-taurine, and melatonin, plus magnesium. The Results After weeks of testing, my personal results were far from what I expected. The biggest surprise was that, based on my sleep log and the Aura data, I found I'd been sleeping better than I thought, even when I didn't take anything. With no supplement, I was getting a baseline of 6.85 hours of sleep at an average 6.6 quality rating for a total sleep score of 46 points. Not bad, and the Aura reported 1.46 hours of REM sleep each night, which was also surprisingly good. When looking at the overall amount of sleep I got while using a single supplement, L-tryptophan came out on top. On nights I took L-tryptophan, I got 7.53 hours of sleep, significantly above any other alternative. The downside was the quality of that sleep, which I rated at only a 6.5, for an average sleep score of 49 points. That's all pretty good, but the whole jellied muscles business put me off a bit, so ultimately I'm not sure it's a great option for sustained use.
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