Vegan sleep aids, formulated without animal-derived ingredients, have gained popularity among those following a plant-based lifestyle. However, you might wonder if it’s worth considering a vegan sleep aid even if you’re not vegan. Get tucked in as we discover the benefits of going to sleep vegan-style.
Sleep is an essential part of our daily lives. Sleep allows our bodies and minds to recharge and rejuvenate. Unfortunately, many struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep long enough to get the rest their bodies need. According to the National Institutes of Health, between 50 and 70 million are burning the midnight oil – or bathing in midnight photons, as the digital case may be (doom scrollers, you know who you are). And this is no bueno.
Experts at the Harvard Sleep Clinic want you to know in addition to the short-term drawbacks, like irritability and impaired focus, long-term sleep deprivation is associated with a host of undesirables, such as depression, memory loss, heart disease, and suppressed immune function. Dark under-eye circles did not make their list, but you can throw those in too.
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Maybe You Should Take a Vegan Sleep Aid Even if You’re Not Vegan. is an original (HerHealthWatch) article.
Animal-derived supplements and the rise of the vegan sleep aid
Sleep aids have been around for centuries, with early formulations that relied mainly on animal-derived active ingredients such as uric acid, a compound found in animal waste (yes, you read that correctly), and more recently, tryptophan and melatonin, which are also derived from animals and animal by-products.
Sleep aids dominated by animal-based components have mostly fallen out of favor as more Americans choose a plant-based diet and the general public becomes increasingly focused on medical safety and animal cruelty issues. For these reasons, many companies have turned to more plant-based ingredients. However, that is not to say that many sleep aids currently on the market are without animal by-products. Many contain easily overlooked ingredients like geltina, lactose, and marine peptides.
For vegans, these ingredients are a deal-breaker. But what about consumers who are not vegan? Should they consider a vegan sleep aid?
Consider a vegan sleep aid for its natural ingredients
Vegan sleep aids typically use natural plant, herb, or mineral ingredients. They often avoid synthetic or animal-derived ingredients, making them a more natural option for promoting sleep. Additionally, vegan sleep aids may lower consumers’ risk from potential allergens or irritants in non-vegan sleep aids, such as lactose or gelatin – which can sometimes cause digestive issues or discomfort for some individuals.
Consider a vegan sleep aid for its ethical implications
Many Americans who don’t follow a vegan lifestyle are still very concerned with animal welfare. They may buy cage-free eggs, beef, and dairy from organically fed cows or opt for cruelty-free products that are not tested on animals. Lifestyle choices are not an all-or-nothing proposition. You can make more ethical choices, and even the small ones add up. Vegan sleep aids exclude animal-derived ingredients and are cruelty-free, meaning they are never tested on animals.
Choose a vegan sleep aid for its low environmental impact
Vegan sleep aids typically have a lower environmental footprint than products containing animal-derived ingredients. Choosing a vegan option reduces the demand for animal agriculture, which is often associated with deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution. Everyone has a stake in minimizing environmental impact. Vegan sleep aids are an easy option that you can feel good about, and choosing a product that aligns with your values will likely add to your peace of mind, further promoting a night of restful sleep.
Choose a vegan sleep aid because it works
Everyone can agree that saving the planet and protecting animals are worthwhile causes. Still, when you’re having trouble sleeping, the deciding factor will always be to buy a product that works. The beauty of vegan sleep aids is that they do work! They do so by harnessing the power of natural sleep-promoting compounds in plants.
Passionflower is one such ingredient. Passionflower is a plant known for its calming effects. It has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for insomnia and anxiety. Its ability to enhance GABA levels in the brain has also been shown to induce relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Another ingredient to look for is chamomile. Chamomile is widely recognized for its soothing properties. Who doesn’t love to relax with a nice cup of chamomile tea before bedtime? Chamomile contains apigenin, a compound that binds to particular receptors in the brain that have a sedative effect and promote better sleep.
Of course, not all vegan sleep aids are equal, and choosing a reputable brand that prioritizes veganism and sources high-quality ingredients is essential.
Which vegan sleep aid will help you get your best zzz’s
DeltaSleep by myPEAK is an excellent example of a vegan sleep aid incorporating all the most beneficial plant-based ingredients. DeltaSleep is formulated with passionflower, chamomile, as well as valerian root, and other carefully selected ingredients that are all chosen to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
The company’s co-founder, Dr. Bhargev Patel, outlines the underlying philosophy of myPEAK products as “optimizing human performance using the best that science, nutrition and the wisdom across the world has to offer.”
Additionally, myPEAK, the company behind DeltaSleep, prides itself on sourcing the highest-quality vegan ingredients for its products. They prioritize sustainability and ethical practices and ensure that their supplements are free from animal-derived ingredients, making them suitable for vegans and non-vegans.
A final word about choosing a vegan sleep aid
Opting for a vegan sleep aid is beneficial, even if you’re not vegan. These products deliver the power of natural plant-based ingredients while also caring for the planet. Vegan sleep aids offer all the benefits of their non-vegan counterparts without any negatives associated with animal-derived products. Whether following a plant-based lifestyle or simply seeking a natural sleep solution that works, vegan sleep aids are an easy choice.
Further reading:
National Library of Medicine: The Effects of Valerian on Sleep Quality, Depression, and State Anxiety in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized, Double-blind, Crossover Clinical Trial
Science Direct: The effects of chamomile extract on sleep quality among elderly people: A clinical trial
Psychology Today: How the 3 Sisters of Sleep Can Help
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your health care professional to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
