Enhanced Sleep Support and Melatonin Sublingual: A Review of Ingredients
I would consider Healthmasters’ Enhanced Sleep Support and Melatonin Sublingual products to be complementary, meaning combining them enhances and emphasizes the qualities of each other.
Healthmasters’ Enhanced Sleep Support supports calmness and a regular, uninterrupted sleep pattern.
Healthmasters’ Melatonin Sublingual supports the natural function of the pineal gland and a healthy sleep pattern.
In this article, we will review the scientifically-backed functions of each ingredient in the products.
Enhanced Sleep Support
There are one, main ingredient in Healthmasters’ Enhanced Sleep Support product, and it is a proprietary blend of a patented extract from Magnolia officinalis (bark) and an extract from Ziziphus spinosa (seed).
There have been studies that have examined these extracts together and individually.
Combined Blend
In an open-label, single-center, observational survey that included 295 people with sleep difficulties, researchers had individuals perform a subjective evaluation of the tolerability and effectiveness of the combined extract blend [1].
The patients’ sleep difficulties included difficulties falling asleep, multiple awakenings during the night, and next-day tiredness due to lack of sleep.
Patients who took one capsule one hour before going to bed every night for at least two weeks experienced the following:
- 86% considered the product relaxing
- 82.8% said the product assisted in a night of restful sleep and reduced next-day fatigue
- 0.0% reported any adverse events
Moreover, the combination of these herbs has been traditionally used in Asia for qì stagnation [when someone becomes emotionally sluggish because of emotions or stress], for mild anxiety and nervousness, and to support healthy, uninterrupted sleep. Studies have shown this combination to have sleep-inducing activities [2], affect GABA receptors [3], and be a possible treatment of insomnia [4].
Magnolia officinalis (bark)
Alone, this extract has been thoroughly examined. This bark is rich in a biphenol compound called honokiol and its isomer magnolol.
In a 2012 experimental study published in Neuropharmacology, these compounds have been shown to enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric receptors (GABA) A receptors and GABA binding, which may help the body cope with the neurological effects that strong emotions can have on behavior and well-being [3] [6].
In a 2010 study, researchers gave mice honokiol and found that the compound shortened the sleep latency to non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and increased the amount of NREM sleep by modulating the GABA(A) receptor [5].
Further, in a 2007 study, the combination of honokiol and magnolol in the experimental animal model supported levels of 5-HTP and promoted healthy corticosterone levels [7]. The researchers suggested these findings may argue that the combination of these ingredients has further, undiscovered actions on mood and emotional behavior.
Ziziphus spinosa (seed)
These seeds have been heavily used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote calmness and help individuals with occasional sleeplessness [9], and studies have examined their effects.
In a 2007 study using an experimental model, researchers found that saponins and flavonoids extracts from the seeds were able to induce a relaxing effect and help prolong sleeping time [8].
To further investigate these effects, researchers in 2008 examined this effect and found it was instigated through a serotonergic [denoting a nerve ending that releases and is stimulated by serotonin] effect [10].
To summarize, both of these extracts promote a healthy sleep cycle through interacting with various receptors: adenosine A1 receptor, dopamine transporter and dopamine D5 receptor (antagonist activity), serotonin receptors (5-HT1B and 5-HT6 antagonist activity), and the GABA benzodiazepine receptor [2]. Therefore, these mechanisms can help to explain the powerful functions of the product.
If you are interested in learning about the calming and relaxing benefits of GABA, read "GABA: What Is It and What Does It Do?"
Melatonin is a hormone in the same class as serotonin (both are indolamines). Melatonin’s vitally functional role in regulating the body’s daily and annual biological rhythms: the sleep cycle.
However, while research does indicate melatonin supports antioxidant activity, cardiovascular health, and immune function, we will be primarily focusing on the sleep aspect for this article [11] [12] [13].
Regular, bodily melatonin creation is stimulated by darkness and suppressed by light. Aging also plays a role in melatonin creation because the amount the body produces declines with age.
In a 2007 review of ten trials concerning melatonin, researchers found that melatonin supplementation helped support sleep patterns in individuals crossing time zones, including airline passengers, airline staff, and military personnel [14].
In a 1998 study that used five experimental periods, melatonin supplementation positively supported sleep initiation, maintenance, efficiency, and activity within one week of supplementation versus the placebo [15].
In a 2001, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, researchers investigated whether melatonin improved sleep functioning [16]. The researchers found that melatonin supplementation supported healthy sleep onset, quality, depth, and duration without the occurrence of daytime drowsiness or adverse effects [16].
If you have tried melatonin products in the past, I will implore you to do two things: 1) Use it for a few days before you determine whether it works for you – with this product, using it for a few days helps to provide a better result; 2) Even if you have tried a melatonin product, try Healthmasters’ Melatonin Sublingual product – this melatonin supplement is in a lozenge form to ensure better absorption and bioavailability.
Conclusion
The ingredients of Healthmasters’ Enhanced Sleep Support and Melatonin Sublingual have been used for centuries to help promote a healthy, restful night sleep, synergistically.
With both of these products, consistency seems to be critical; try integrating them into your nightly schedule for at least a week at a proper dosage before you decide whether they are useful for you.
If you have any questions about Healthmasters’ Enhanced Sleep Support and Melatonin Sublingual, please feel free to call our office at 800.726.1834.
References:
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19505549
[3] http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/22445602
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22537192
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22537192
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10591411
[7] https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/18093712
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17479419
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10996283
[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18466960
[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19011689
[12] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22245066
[13] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11227046
[14] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18020480
