How Does It Work?
End Fatigue Revitalizing Sleep Formula is a combination of herbal ingredients that promote relaxation and restful sleep.*
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) root extract has been clinically demonstrated to support restful sleep.* 1–7 It has an approved monograph in both The German Commission E and the World Health Organization (WHO) Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants.8,9
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) extract has been studied for its ability to calm simple nervous tension that may lead to occasional sleeplessness.* It has an approved monograph in the German Commission E.10 Passionflower extract has been reported to have calming effects in clinical trials.* For example, in a double-blind randomized controlled trial, subjects reported that passionflower extract was effective in calming restlessness.*11
L-Theanine is a key ingredient in green tea. Since ancient times, it has been said that drinking green tea brings relaxation. L-theanine's effect on brain amino acids and neurotransmittors has been investigated. L-theanine appears to modulate neurotransmitter concentrations in brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, promoting muscle relaxation and improving sleep.*12
In a clinical trial in humans, the brain activity of 50 volunteers was measured after the oral administration of 50–200 mg of L-theanine. L-theanine promoted the generation of alpha-brain waves, considered to be an index of relaxation, in the volunteers.* Researchers concluded that L-theanine promotes relaxation in humans by increasing alpha brain waves.*13
Hops (Humulus lupulus) extract has been shown to calm restlessness and can be used to support restful sleep.* It has an approved monograph in The German Commission E.14 The dried strobile of Hops is a popular sleep aid. While hops have been used for centuries for gastrointestinal health support, they have more recently been used to support healthy sleep.* Key constituents of hops include a volatile oil, valerianic acid, phytoestrogenic substances, tannins, and flavonoids. Hops extract, in combination with valerian, has been clinically demonstrated to improve sleep.* 15,16
Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa) has been used in traditional medicine for its calmative effect.* Wild lettuce has been found to contain the key components of lactucic acid, lactucone, and lactucopicrin. Wild lettuce supports restful sleep by promoting a relaxed feeling.*17
Jamaica Dogwood (Piscidia piscipula) root contains isoflavonoids and tannins that help promote restful sleep.* This herb helps individuals fall asleep and promotes musculoskeletal relaxation.* This botanical ingredient has also been found to resolve nervous irritability, thus promoting quality sleep.*18
Precautions
If pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs, consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use.
May impair your ability to drive or operate heavy equipment. Due to additive sedative effect, avoid using with alcohol.
References
Leathwood PD, Chauffard F, Heck E, Munoz-Box R. Aqueous extract of valerian root (Valeriana officinalis L.) improves sleep quality in man. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1982;17:65–71.
Leathwood PD, Chauffard F. Aqueous extract of valerian reduces latency to fall asleep in man. Planta Med. 1985;51:144–8.
Lindahl O, Lindwall L. Double blind study of a valerian preparation. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1989;32:1065–6.
Balderer G, Borbely AA. Effect of valerian on human sleep. Psycho-Pharmacol. 1985;87:406–9.
Schulz H, Stolz C, Muller J. The effect of valerian extract on sleep polygraphy in poor sleepers: a pilot study. Pharmacopsychiatry. 1994;27:147–51.
Donath F, Quispe S, Diefenbach K, Maurer A, Fietze I, Roots I. Critical evaluation of the effect of valerian extract on sleep structure and sleep quality. Pharmacopsychiatry. 2000;33:47–53.
Dominguez RA, Bravo-Valverde RL, Kaplowitz BR, Cott JM. Valerian as a hypnotic for Hispanic patients. Cultur Divers Ethni Minor Psychol. 2000;6:84–92.
Valerian. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J., ed. Herbal Medicine. Expanded Commission E Monographs. Austin, Tex: American Botanical Council; Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000:397.
Valerian radix. In: WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Vol. 1. Geneva: World Health Organization; 1999:267–76.
Passion Flower. In: Blumenthal M., ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Austin, Tex: American Botanical Council; Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998: 179–80.
Akhondzadeh S, Naghavi H, Vazirian M, Shayeganpour A, Rashidi H, Khani M. Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepan. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2001; 26:363–7.
Yokogoshi H, Kobayashi M, Mochizuki M, Terahima T. Effect of theanine, r-glutamylethylamide, on brain monoamines and striatal dopamine release in conscious rats. Neurochemical Research. 1998;23: 667–73.
Juneja L, Chu D, Okubo T, Nagato Y, Yokogoshi H. L-theanine: a unique amino acid of green tea and its relaxation effect in humans. Trends Food Sci Technol. 1999; 10: 199–204.
Hops. In: Blumenthal M., ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Austin, Tex: American Botanical Council; Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998: 147.
Dimpfel W, Suter A. Sleep improving effects of a single dose administration of a valerian/hops fluid extract - a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled sleep-EEG study in a parallel design using electrohypnograms. Eur J Med Res. 2008 May 26;13(5):200–4.
Koetter U, Schrader E, Käufeler R, Brattström A. A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, prospective clinical study to demonstrate clinical efficacy of a fixed valerian hops extract combination (Ze 91019) in patients suffering from non-organic sleep disorder. Phytother Res. 2007 Sep;21(9):847–51.
Grieve M. Lettuce, Wild. In: A Modern Herbal. Available at: http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/l/lettuc17.html. [Accessed on November 20, 2010.]
Jamaica Dogwood. In: Fleming T., ed. PDR® for Herbal Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 1998: 428-9