Ingredient story:

Hemp is naturally found in cannabis, but has no psychoactive properties due to the lack of THC, which is completely removed after initial extraction.

Our supplement contains broad spectrum hemp extract instead of isolate. The reason? Isolates, while composed of 99% pure hemp, are stripped of all other ingredients. We intentionally chose broad spectrum because, in addition to hemp, it is composed of phytocannabinoids that are naturally present in the hemp plant and contribute to the entourage effect, the theory that various compounds in cannabis work synergistically to create unique effects and benefits.

Emerging research:

Broad spectrum hemp extract has been and is currently being studied for sleep, mood, immune health, epilepsy, anxiety, cognition, pain management, and movement disorders.

Dosing:

Contains 30 mg of broad spectrum hemp extract standardized to 25 mg per serving.

Ingredient story:

While most supplements are formulated with lower-cost, MCT oil, we opted for higher-quality, vegan algal oil. Originally wild-sourced from Nova Scotia marine algae, it contains 100% natural triglycerides combined with powerful antioxidants. It’s a potent source of omega-3 fat, which refers to polyunsaturated fatty acids that are widely found in nature and important for human diet and physiology.

Included is 500 mg of a specific omega-3 fatty acid that is the primary structural component of the human brain, skin, and retina. It has a 53% concentration of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—about 265 mg per serving.

In addition to its various health benefits and plant source, Alphamega³530 TG algal omega-3 oil was selected because it's extracted in an aqueous-based process, which means no chemical solvents are used. The algae source also minimizes the risk of heavy metals often found in fish. The oil is de-colorized and de-odorized to meet strict quality parameters, resulting in a product that delivers the nutritional benefits of omega-3 DHA without an underlying marine smell or taste.

Emerging research:

Like fish oil, algal oil is a potent source of omega-3 fatty acids and according to ongoing studies, supports sleep time and quality — in addition to heart, eye, and brain health. The comprehensive benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are another reason we chose this oil.

Dosing:

Contains 330 mg of our proprietary omega and terpene blend (alphamega³530 TG Algal Omega Oil, Myrcene, Beta-Caryophyllene, Linalool, Beta Pinene).

Citations:

• Brutto, O. H., Mera, R. M., Ha, J., Gillman, J., Zambrano, M., & Castillo, P. R. (2016). Dietary fish intake and sleep quality: A population-based study. Sleep Medicine, 17, 126-128. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2015.09.021
• Peuhkuri, K., Sihvola, N., & Korpela, R. (2012). Dietary factors and fluctuating levels of melatonin. Food & Nutrition Research, 56(1), 17252. doi:10.3402/fnr.v56i0.17252

Ingredient story:

Terpenes are a diverse class of organic compounds produced primarily by plants and select insects. As the primary constituents of essential oils, they’re believed to be part of the “entourage effect,” the theory that various compounds in cannabis work synergistically to create unique effects and benefits. Four specific terpenes are included in Core Sleep with Hemp:

1. Myrcene

Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in cannabis and is also naturally found in mangoes.

Emerging research: It is being studied for its sedative and inflammation/chronic pain-reducing properties—although no trials have been conducted on humans in the public domain.

2. Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP)

BCP is found in cannabis, as well as black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, oregano, basil, and rosemary. It is one of the only known terpenes that binds to cannabinoid receptors and may provide some of the benefits associated with hemp's “entourage effect.”

Emerging research: It is being studied for its effects on inflammation, pain, heart disease, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, diabetes, anxiety, and depression—although no trials have been conducted on humans in the public domain.

3. Linalool

Linalool is found in cannabis, as well as lavender, mint, cinnamon, coriander, and birch bark. It appears to be most responsible for the spicy and flora aroma of cannabis.

Emerging research: It is being studied for its effects on anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain, inflammation, and neurodegenerative disease (arthritis, depression, seizures, insomnia)—although no trials have been conducted on humans in the public domain.

4. Beta Pinene

Beta Pinene is the most common terpene in the world. It’s found in cannabis as well as coniferous trees, pine, rosemary, basil, and cumin.

Emerging research: It is being studied for its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-anxiety, and memory-supporting effects—although no trials have been conducted on humans in the public domain.

Dosing: Contains 330 mg of our proprietary omega and terpene blend (alphamega³530 TG Algal Omega Oil, Myrcene, Beta-Caryophyllene, Linalool, Beta Pinene).

Ingredient story:

Valeriana officinalis, commonly known as valerian, is an herb native to Europe and Asia whose roots have been used since ancient Greek and Roman times as a sleep promoter. It plays a role prior to and during N1 (first sleep stage), when the body needs to feel calm, relaxed, and drowsy in order to move to N2 (second sleep stage). By working synergistically with a natural amino acid known as GABA, valerian root extract ensures a more relaxed, calm state.

Highlights:

• Works synergistically with GABA to ensure a less stimulated response
• Together, the two promote a more relaxed, calm mind and body
• Promotes restful sleep

Dosing:

Contains 300 mg of valerian standardized to a clinically beneficial dosage of 0.8%.

Citations:

• Leathwood, Peter D., Françoise Chauffard, Eva Heck, and Raphael Munoz-Box. “Aqueous Extract of Valerian Root (Valeriana Officinalis L.) Improves Sleep Quality in Man.” Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior 17, no. 1 (1982): 65–71.
• Oxman, Andrew D., Signe Flottorp, Kari Håvelsrud, Atle Fretheim, Jan Odgaard-Jensen, Astrid Austvoll-Dahlgren, Cheryl Carling, Ståle Pallesen, and Bjørn Bjorvatn. “A Televised, Web-Based Randomised Trial of an Herbal Remedy (Valerian) for Insomnia.” PLOS ONE. Public Library of Science. Accessed June 16, 2020.
• Santos, Maria, Fernanda Ferreira, António Cunha, Arsélio Carvalho, and Tice Macedo. “An Aqueous Extract of Valerian Influences the Transport of GABA in Synaptosomes.” Planta Medica 60, no. 03 (1994): 278–79.
• Morazzoni P, Bombardelli E. “Valeriana officinalis: traditional use and recent evaluation of activity.” Fitoterapia 66: 99-112 (1995)

Ingredient story:

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which refers to a group of herbs that have been used in Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine) for thousands of years to promote longevity, enhance vitality, support a healthy immune response, enhance focus, and help reduce everyday stress and fatigue.

The Sensoril® Ashwagandha in our supplement is derived from a unique extract of the leaves and roots of the Withania somnifera plant that have been studied in 14 human clinical trials. It has been shown to decrease cortisol (a key marker of stress) and relieve occasional sleeplessness.

Highlights:

• Decreases cortisol, a key marker of stress
• Reduces malondialdehyde (MDA), a key marker of oxidative stress
• Relieves occasional sleeplessness

Dosing:

Contains a clinically beneficial dosage + standardization level of 125 mg of Sensoril® Ashwagandha.

Citations:

• Auddy B, Hazra J, Mitra A, Abedon B, Ghosal S. “A standardized Withania somnifera extract significantly reduces stress-related parameters in chronically stressed humans: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.” JANA. 2008;11(1): 50-56.

Ingredient story:

Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid produced naturally in the brain. When GABA binds to its receptor (GABA-A), it renders the neuron less responsive to stimulation. In essence, it suppresses or inhibits the central nervous system to reduce excitability and, when bound, produces an immediate calming effect that may support a reduction in stress, anxiety, and sleeplessness.

Highlights:

• Reduces excitability
• Promotes relaxation + calmness

Dosing:

Contains a clinically beneficial dosage of 100 mg of GABA.

Citations:

• Abdou, Adham M., S. Higashiguchi, K. Horie, Mujo Kim, H. Hatta, and H. Yokogoshi. “Relaxation and Immunity Enhancement Effects of γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Administration in Humans.” BioFactors 26, no. 3 (2006): 201–8.
• Gottesmann, Claude. “GABA Mechanisms and Sleep.” Neuroscience. Pergamon, April 22, 2002.

Ingredient story:

Sourced from Japan, Venetron® is a patented, purified, powdered extract from the leaves of a wild perennial plant native to Central Asia and warm regions in Europe: Apocynum venetum L. (or “Rafuma” in Japanese). It has been used for centuries to promote sleep health. By binding to the GABA-A receptor, it reduces excitability and produces a calming effect.

Venetron® has been shown to impact multiple stages of sleep—including N1 and N2, where it has been clinically shown to help sleep initiation, and N3, where it has been shown to enhance non-REM sleep time.

Highlights:

• Improves initiation + maintenance of sleep
• Helps you fall asleep faster + stay asleep
• Reduces feelings of nervousness, restlessness, + irritation

Dosing:

Contains a clinically beneficial dosage + standardization level of 50 mg of Venetron®.

Citations:

• Yamatsu, Atsushi, Yusuke Yamashita, Isafumi Maru, Jinwei Yang, Jin Tatsuzaki, and Mujo Kim. “The Improvement of Sleep by Oral Intake of GABA and Apocynum Venetum Leaf Extract.” Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology 61, no. 2 (2015): 182–87.
• Nakata, A. et al. “Effect of an Apocynum venetum leaf extract (venetron™) on sleep quality and psychological stress improvement.” Japan Pharmacology Therapeutics (JPT), no. 46 (2018): 117-125.