The Best Nootropics For Sleep
The best nootropics for sleep are not just a plus for those looking to recover from mild cases of insomnia but a boon to anyone who wants to maximize productivity. Indeed, sleep deprivation can cause you to slow down and lag behind in your day-to-day activities. If you are a busy person, finding a solution to this problem can sometimes mark the difference between long-term success and failure. In that regard, here are 5 top-rated nootropics worth exploring. Please note that no two nootropics work exactly the same for everyone and it’s always a good idea find the right blend of your specific needs.
Nootropic | Formula | Typical Dose | Half Life | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Phenibut | C10H13NO2 | 250-1000 mg | 5 hours | |
Picamilon | C10H12N2O3 | 100-200 mg | 30 minutes | |
Aniracetam | C12H13NO3 | 750-1500 mg | 1-3 hours | |
Huperzine A | C15H18N2O | 50-200 mcg | 10-14 hours |
Phenibut
Phenibut may sound like just any other nootropic supplement until you take a closer look at it. One thing about this product is that is free from L-theanine, Alpha GPC, piracetam, and caffeine. Instead of using mainstream stimulants to get the job done, this product uses naturally occurring inhibitory neurotransmitter known as y-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
GABA acts on the central nervous system providing much-needed psychotropic effects. This improves neurological functioning and reduces anxiety which – essentially leading to improvement in natural sleep patterns.
Yet another aspect of Phenibut is that it uses an ataractic supplement to unlock natural sedative effects. This works pretty effectively at normalizing sleep patterns and enhancing sleep quality. As such, Phenibut is relied upon to not only lull people to sleep but also help them remain asleep for adequate hours. This goes a long way in restoring cognitive and emotional health which tends to deteriorate due to exhaustion.
In addition, Phenibut is known to increase the levels of dopamine in the body. Dopamine works directly on the central nervous system and has been shown to promote a “feel good effect”. It’s therefore not a surprise that Phenibut is often reviewed among the best nootropics for sleep.
Picamilon
Picamilon is said to support a positive mood, reduce the effects of stress, promote cognitive function and most importantly enhance relaxation. And how exactly does it do that? Well, Picamilon is big on awakening GABA effects. As you might be aware, the GABA neurotransmitter is the one which is directly involved in lulling us to sleep. The moment you run out of GABA, you lose sleep. Therefore, the job of Picamilon is to promote the synthesis of GABA and ensure this is sustained especially when you go to sleep.
When used during the day, Picamilon yields calming effects and normalizes stress responses. Worth noting, however, is that this is just a nootropic and it may not yield the same effects as tranquilizers. Nonetheless, by releasing more relaxation hormones, this product enhances the quality of sleep and stumps out any potential causes of mild insomnia. Of course, that’s all it takes to enjoy a good night’s sleep without necessarily risking your health.
Aniracetam
Aniracetam is revered as the nootropic that helps in enhancing mood and improving the quality of life. It is, therefore, not a surprise to see it listed among the top supplements that promote good sleep.
For starters, the product works by enhancing the production of two neurotransmitters known as Serotonin and Dopamine. These two play a key role in enhancing mood and helping keep one relaxed. Besides that, the nootropic does a pretty good job in boosting AMPA receptor sites, effectively speeding up synaptic communication within the nervous system.
Wait, what are AMPA receptor sites?
AMPA receptor sites are simply surfaces that are involved in the transmission of ions which control the speed at which transmissions occur within the central nervous system. Usually, the more we get busier, tired and frustrated, the more these sites become clogged and that explains the key role played by Aniracetam in crystallizing the transmission of ions.
Safe to say, at its most basic form Aniracetam cranks up “feel good hormones” leaving you chilled out and in a better position to enjoy your sleep.
Huperzine A
Huperzine-A is an alkaloid that for the most part works as a cognitive booster or memory enhancer. Interestingly, though, it manages to do this and still guarantee you of a good night’s sleep. A closer look at its mechanism of working reveals that it works by stimulating the cholinergic component of the brain. This is unlike other nootropics which tend to boost acetylcholine receptors effectively promoting the production of other neurotransmitters that keep the brain awake.
In a nutshell, Huperzine-A finds a middle ground in the brain and creates an atmosphere of moderation. This sense of calmness is sometimes all you need to boost memory and cognitive function.
What’s more, if taken several hours before going to sleep, this nootropic can boost rapid eye movement (REM) sleep cycles by what the manufacturer claims to be 30 percent. Given that REM sleep contributes to about 25 percent of an individual’s sleep cycle, it is easy to understand the magic behind Huperzine-A.
Bottom Line
Of course, this is by no means an exhaustive list of the best nootropics for sleep. However, to this end, there is no doubt that lack of sleep remains one of the most frustrating things that can happen to anyone. Given the competitive nature of modern-day living, you cannot afford to slow down due to poor quality of sleep. Luckily, there is something you can do about it – and that is giving one of the above-mentioned nootropics a try.
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