Sleep Scientist Reveals the BEST Supplements for Sleep (and Which 2 to Avoid)

About this video

• Video Title: Sleep Scientist Reveals the BEST Supplements for Sleep (and Which 2 to Avoid)
• Channel: FoundMyFitness Clips
• Speakers: Dr. Andrew Huberman (implied, as he is the typical speaker on FoundMyFitness videos and the content aligns with his discussions)
• Duration: 10:33

Overview

This video discusses various supplements related to sleep, focusing primarily on melatonin. It explains melatonin's function as a hormone of darkness rather than a direct sleep inducer, its potential effectiveness for those without conditioned arousal, and issues with supplement quality control. The video also touches on other supplements like magnesium, glycine, and L-theanine, distinguishing between sleep-inducing and calming effects, and advises against taking certain B vitamins at night.

Key takeaways

• Melatonin's Role: Melatonin is a "hormone of darkness" and a nighttime signal, not a sedative. It can promote sleep by strengthening the nighttime signal, but is often ineffective for insomnia due to conditioned arousal.
• Supplement Quality and Dosage: Melatonin supplements can vary significantly in actual content compared to what's on the label, with larger, reputable brands generally having better quality control and accounting for degradation over time by adding an overage.
• Other Sleep Aids: Magnesium, glycine, and L-theanine may help promote sleep or offer calming effects, though they don't typically "beat placebo" for treating insomnia. Their benefits might be more related to relaxation than direct sleep induction for some individuals.
• Supplements to Avoid at Night: Glutamine in workout supplements can be counterproductive for sleep. B vitamins, particularly B12, can interfere with melatonin suppression by light and should be taken in the morning.
• Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatories: Supplements with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may indirectly aid sleep by supporting the body's natural repair processes during the night.