First and foremost, any sleep supplement you choose should contain ingredients that have been studied in humans and shown to have a positive impact on sleep in clinical trials. The most promising ones for relaxation and sleep include magnesium8, GABA9, L-theanine10, 5-HTP11, and hemp-derived CBD12.* Check out more ingredients that have research behind them here.

Opt for a formula that fits your specific sleep needs. If you have trouble falling asleep, for example, you might benefit from a hemp CBD product that can calm the overexcited mind13.* If staying asleep is a bigger issue for you, magnesium supplements can improve overall sleep quality and depth14.*

Serving size and format are also important to pay attention to: You’ll want to choose a supplement that is enjoyable to take nightly (some people prefer capsules to tinctures, for example) and easy to fit into your routine. All supplements you consume should come from a reputable company that does third-party testing.

Finally, it’s important to understand what sleep supplements can and can’t do. While they are designed to help support your body’s natural ability to fall asleep, they can’t correct serious or long-term sleep concerns.*