Arms Race Nite Nite Sleep Aid

Magnesium (as Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate)

It is difficult to overstate the biological necessity of magnesium. Magnesium is a co-factor in over 300 enzymatic reactions that regulate essential physiological functions such as protein synthesis, glucose homeostasis, muscle and nerve function, as well as the maintenance and support of healthy blood pressure levels.

In addition to these benefits, magnesium (especially Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate) has been studied for its benefits in providing sleep and nervous system support. As we age, several changes can occur that can place an individual at risk for sleep related difficulties. These can range from insomnia, altered circadian rhythm, altered quality of life, and decreased nutrient intake and utilization. Magnesium intake and supplementation has not only been shown to improve quality of sleep but can also aid in relaxation, maintenance of normal heart rhythm, as well as management of blood sugar, which can improve quality of life.

In a study conducted on elderly individuals suffering from insomnia, those taking 500mg of magnesium per day for eight weeks, shows improvements in subjective and objective measures of insomnia.

• Increased sleep latency and sleep duration
• Increased sleep efficiency
• Increased levels of melatonin (a sleep hormone) and serum renin, which plays a role in blood pressure regulation
• Decreased concentrations of serum cortisol

These promising results on sleep and benefits magnesium can provide make it a key nutrient for those looking for better rest and more optimal sleep patterns.

L- Glycine

L-Glycine is a non-essential amino acid, so-called because the human body is capable of synthesizing glycine from sources internal to the body (serine). Like many other amino acids, glycine possesses physiological effects independent of its function as a ‘building block’ to protein. In glycine’s case, its physiological effects stem from its role as a neurotransmitter in the human brain.

Three methodologically-sound studies have investigated glycine’s effect on sleep and sleep quality in humans – and each used the same serving size as that found in ARN NITE NITE, 3 grams. In studies conducted in 2006 and 2007, ingestion of 3 grams of glycine prior to sleep was found to have both subjective and objective positive effects on sleep. Subjectively, participants reported more satisfactory sleep, less daytime sleepiness, and improved cognitive function. Objectively, PSG measurements revealed less latency to sleep onset and deep sleep. These results were confirmed in a more recent 2012 study which focused principally on glycine-dependent improvements to daytime cognitive function in sleep-deprived volunteers.

Overall, these human trials suggest a possible role for glycine in the regulation of beneficial sleep cycles at a serving size of 3 grams.

Chamomile Extract (Matricaria chamomilia) (std. to 1.2% apigenin)

Chamomile is a well-known herb that has been used for centuries for its ability to calm nerves, reduce anxiety, and help improve a wide variety of sleep problems. It is thought that chamomile may increase brain neurotransmitter activity (serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline), thus inducing positive effects on mood and anxiety. Chamomiles sleep quality improvement effects have particularly been attributed to apigenin, a bioflavonoid compound found within chamomile, as well as a wide variety of other plants and herbs. Apigenin binds to specific GABA receptors in the brain that may decrease anxiety and initiate a more restful sleep. While human studies have had mixed results when it comes to chamomile/apigenin supplementation for improvements of insomnia, it can likely be a useful tool for those suffering from more mild sleep issues. In addition to sleep improvements apigenin can be a great addition to those looking for overall longevity.

KSM-66® Full-Spectrum Ashwagandha Extract (Withania somnifera) (root) (5% withanolides)

Withania somnifera Dunal, colloquially known as Winter Cherry or Indian Ginseng, is an herb that features prominently in the traditional Indian medicinal system of Ayurveda. Known as Ashwagandha in Ayurveda, Withania somnifera is a critical ingredient in various Ayurvedic tonics and tinctures prepared as a traditional remedy for the treatment of various ailments.  

Recently identified as a potent adaptogenic and target for therapeutic applications, Ashwaghanda has been the subject of numerous animal, pre-clinical, and clinical trials designed to examine its potential effects as an antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anxiolytic, antibacterial, antifungal, and immunomodulating compound. Ashwaghanda’s broad therapeutic potential is hypothesized to be the result of its robust phytochemical profile, including a wide swath of alkaloids, sitoindosides, and the highly biologically active withanolide group. As the principally biologically active compounds within Ashwaghanda, withanolides such as withanone, withaferine A, withanolides A, D, and G have been identified, isolated, and extensively studied in the various applications noted above. 

Ashwagandha has also been shown to be a beneficial compound when it comes to its sleep-inducing potential. It has particularly been shown to improve sleep quality and sleep onset latency in clinical trials. In recognition of the potential physiological benefits of withanolides, Arms Race Nutrition selected the specific, trademarked, KSM-66^® to include in its NITE NITE sleep aid formula. KSM-66^® is a full-spectrum Ashwaghanda extract, standardized for 5% withanolides – meaning that KSM-66^® not only includes the full range of biologically active compounds within Ashwaghanda, but also that it contains the highest currently available concentration of the principally active withanolides (5%). 

The high concentrations of withanolides within KSM-66® has resulted in encouraging results in a number of human, clinical trials – particularly considering many of these trials were conducted using the methodological gold standard of randomization, double-blind delivery, and placebo control. Amongst the most impressive results contained in these trials:

• A 27.9% reduction in serum cortisol levels, measured over 60 days in a trial featuring 64 chronically stressed adults.
• Statistically significant increases to endurance and stamina, as measured by VO² max, in a clinical trial featuring 50 healthy, exercise-trained adults.
• Increased measures of well-being as reported by self-assessment scales, included in both the clinical trials mentioned above.
• Statistically improve sleep quality and sleep onset latency in individuals suffering from sleep related difficulties.

Though each of these results is impressive, perhaps the most significant is the 27.9% reduction in cortisol seen in the 60-day trial. As detailed above, cortisol possesses a multitude of potentially degradative physiological effects, including: inhibiting glucose uptake, causing a constriction of the vasculature (vasoconstriction), the breakdown of glycogen, and inarguably the result most would desire to avoid, proteolysis (the breakdown of muscle tissue). Keep cortisol controlled, especially during sleep is essential to optimizing recovery. Ashwagandha has shown its promise in its ability to help people fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and experience better sleep quality.

Zylaria™ (Xylaria nigripes)

Zylaria™ is a relatively new ingredient innovation to make its way into the sleep improvement market. Xylaria nigripes, is a specific type of mushroom that has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries after its discovery. Uniquely a rich source of amino acids, the most relevant amino acids contained in Zylaria™ is gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA. Its commonly known that GABA is a neurotransmitter that acts as a chemical messenger between the brain and the rest of the central nervous system taking messages from the brain to other nerve cells, slowing their conductivity. In easier to understand terms, GABA plays a role in counteracting the compounds that excite the brain, helping the body to relax and unwind, leading to better sleep and overall recovery.

Poor sleep quality is highly common in a large majority of individuals due to poor sleep habits, increased amounts of mental distress, and overstimulation. If left unaddressed, this can lead to insomnia, depression, and other mental disturbances. Due to this, GABA rich products and foods have been increasingly researched for their abilities to improve sleep quality. Researchers have found that Xylaria nigripes and their GABA concentrations have been proven to help reset the natural sleep latency in the human body. What sets Zylaria™ apart from other sleep aids in the industry is that it doesn’t act in a way of completely knocking out the user. Rather, Zylaria™ acts in a way that works with the brain to send messages to the nerve cells to promote a more general calming sense. What this means is that you will be more apt to experience a more restful sleep with less grogginess and brain fog upon waking. 

Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis) (0.8%)

Valerian root is a commonly utilized herb all over the world. Coming from a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia primarily it has been most used for its benefits towards insomnia and some anxiety disorders. The National sleep Foundation reports over 50% of American adults suffer from some sort of insomnia or sleep related difficulties. While the specific ingredient responsible for valerian roots activity has not yet fully been identified, it is believed that a combination of sesquiterpenoids and valepotriates (two compounds found within valerian) may be involved in its mechanism of action. This mechanism of action is exhibited through its binding potential to the subunit on the GABA-A receptors, which causes GABA to bind to the alpha subunit more effectively. We have talked about GABAs benefits on the human body in the context of sleep latency and quality in other sections so valerian root still targets GABA receptors albeit through a different pathway. This binding essentially will make the neuron less responsive to stimulation by excitatory postsynaptic potentials, thus suppressing the central nervous system. Valerian has been shown to decrease the removal of GABA from the body, thus allowing GABA to stay around longer, equating to a higher quality and duration of sleep. Another proposed mechanism of action is that valernic acid inhibits an enzyme that destroys GABA, thus increasing its half-life and time within the body.  

Magnolia Bark Extract (Magnolia officinalis) (bark) (std. to 90% magnolol and honokiol)

The magnolia tree, commonly found throughout Southeast Asia, has been used traditionally for the improving GI disorders, anxiety, depression, and some sleep disorders. Magnolia bark exhibits a mechanism of action similar to that of some of the other herbal remedies in this formula. Its primary mechanism is that it boosts GABA production within the human body. It’s not magnolia bark specifically where the benefits lie, but in the compounds within magnolia bark. Magnolia bark contains specific neolignans called honokiol and magnolol. Both honokiol and magnolol have been shown to effectively pass the blood brain barrier and positively influence the brain and central nervous system. Both of these compounds are able to bind to the GABA-A receptors in the central nervous system, which are related to improvements in sleepiness. The compound honokiol specifically has been found to significantly shorten sleep latency as well as reduce non-rapid eye movement sleep and increase the amount of non-REM sleep. Its in this unique combination of honokiol and magnolol found within magnolia bark that has promising benefits in the terms of relaxation, sleep, decreasing stress, as well as improving mood.

L-Theanine

L-Theanine is a non-protein amino acid found mostly in green tea. The structure of L-Theanine closely resembles L-glutamic acid and has a mechanism of action they may be mediated through glutamate receptors, a possibility supported by its partial co-agonistic effect on the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor. Due to L-Theanine being a widely ingested phytochemical during normal everyday life, it has the potential to be an ingredient in many nutraceutical applications due to its proposed benefits on cognitive function and neuroprotective properties. L-Theanine has been studied in several instances on its benefits in these areas. In humans, L-Theanine has been shown to play a beneficial role in tasks requiring heightened focus and attention as well as positive effects on mental state, including improved sleep quality. A four week, randomized, placebo controlled and double-blind study consisting of 30 individuals assessing L-Theanine’s influence on stress related symptoms and cognitive function resulted in positive outcomes. At 200mg per day results revealed positive benefits sleep quality, decreased sleep disturbance, and reduced need for sleep medication. For cognitive function, verbal fluency and execution during concentration required tasks was also increased. The benefits of L-Theanine have mostly been studied for its acute effects on the user. Long term effects can likely be seen by how the acute affects influence changes in lifestyle. However, studies like this are promising on the benefits of L-Theanine.