At Best-Supps, they come from selected brands, as capsules, tablets, drops, or powder. Discover the selection below. The Health overview page provides an overview of the category.
What belongs in this category?
This category bundles dietary supplements that are assigned to the field of sleep and relaxation. Typical ingredients are melatonin, the mineral magnesium, as well as plant-based ingredients such as valerian, hops, lemon balm, and lavender. The composition differs significantly from product to product.
Important and honestly classified: for the plant-based ingredients in this area, there is no officially approved health claim. We therefore name them purely neutrally and make no promises of effect. In case of persistent sleep problems, medical evaluation is the right way to go.
The sleep hormone melatonin - classified correctly in legal terms
Melatonin is a substance produced by the body itself, the sleep hormone melatonin, a hormone that is produced in the pineal gland and, as a messenger substance, supports the regulation of the sleep-wake rhythm and the day-night rhythm in the body. Production is light-dependent; during the day the level is lower than at night. In the EU, only narrowly defined claims under fixed conditions are approved for melatonin - for example in connection with the effect of 1 mg of melatonin, or mg of melatonin, making a contribution to reducing the time it takes to fall asleep, when taken 30 minutes before going to bed, in order to make it easier to fall asleep. The recommended and maximum daily dose given here is 1 mg per day. Melatonin is also used in connection with jet lag.
Also note: depending on the dosage and presentation, authorities in Germany sometimes classify melatonin products as medicinal products rather than dietary supplements; the classification is not legally uniform. We carry exclusively products approved as dietary supplements and strictly adhere to the applicable requirements. Read the information on the packaging before use.
Further ingredients
In addition to melatonin, products in this category often contain magnesium as well as plant-based ingredients such as valerian, hops, lemon balm, passionflower, or lavender; depending on the product, ashwagandha, Vitamin B6, or L-tryptophan may also be contained. These plant-based ingredients are traditionally used in this field; Vitamin B6 and L-tryptophan are also mentioned in some products in connection with the sleep hormone melatonin or its production by the body, without a claim for the specific range being derivable from this. Depending on their composition, such products can also address topics such as the nervous system, calm, or relaxation. Exactly what a product contains and in what amount is stated on the respective ingredient list.
Forms such as melatonin drops & use
The products are available as capsules and tablets, as drops or sprays, as well as powder; the right dosage form can be decisive depending on preference and use. The use - timing and amount - is stated on the respective product packaging. With melatonin drops, for example, 0.5 mg of melatonin per drop may be contained; if it is stated this way on the packaging, 1 mg of melatonin corresponds to 2 drops, for example with a forte variant from the bottle. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and do not exceed the recommended amount. Some melatonin sleep drops are, according to the packaging, used shortly before going to bed; in some cases 0.5 mg of melatonin is recommended before bedtime. Depending on the dosage form, alcohol-free products without alcohol may also be available, such as sprays or products for falling asleep with melatonin.
Who is this category of interest to?
This category is aimed at everyone who is looking for supplementary products in the field of sleep and relaxation. Part of an honest classification is: good sleep has many building blocks - regular times, exercise, daylight, a quiet sleep environment, and dealing with stress all play a major role; shift work, too, can strain the sleep rhythm. In such cases, melatonin is sometimes used to support the sleep rhythm. A dietary supplement cannot replace these basics. In case of persistent sleep problems, medical evaluation is the right and important way to go, because there can be various causes behind them.
What should you look out for when buying?
Composition & declaration
A look at the ingredient list shows which ingredients are contained and in what amount. With melatonin-containing products, the dosage in mg of melatonin and the recommended intake per serving should also be clearly declared. Transparent information and exclusively EU-approved ingredients are a mark of quality. Notes on diet and on intended use should also be fully visible on the packaging.
Form & brand
Capsule, tablet, drops, or powder is a matter of preference. Reputable manufacturers and a trustworthy supplier stand for transparent, legal information without exaggerated promises; a comprehensible price or a reasonable price-performance ratio, as well as information on production and origin, can also make the selection easier. Some buyers specifically look for brands like Dr. or Dr. Theiss Melatonin Einschlaf, though the name alone should not be decisive.
Quality & declaration
You can recognize a good product by a transparent, complete ingredient list with quantity information, as well as comprehensible information on the dosage form, bottle size, and serving amount, where relevant, and exclusively EU-approved ingredients. With melatonin-containing products, pay particular attention to the manufacturer's information and notes; aspects such as bioavailability or rapid absorption should only be taken into account if the manufacturer declares them properly and in compliance with the law. Established brands stand for comprehensible information without exaggerated promises.
Related categories & sensible additions for healthy sleep
This category is part of the top-level Health category. You'll find magnesium as a single product under Magnesium, and further micronutrients under Vitamins and Minerals.
Important notes & storage
Dietary supplements are not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, good sleep habits, or medical treatment. They are also not a substitute for a balanced, varied diet. In case of persistent sleep problems, pre-existing conditions, when taking medication, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as with children and adolescents: seek medical advice before use. According to the common classification, the daily intake of melatonin has no habituation effect. After taking melatonin-containing products, do not actively participate in road traffic or operate machinery; observe the notes on the packaging. For storage: keep dry, sealed, protected from heat and light, and out of the reach of children. The best-before date is on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Supplements assigned to this topic area – such as with melatonin, magnesium or plant-based ingredients such as valerian, hops and lemon balm.
Melatonin is a substance produced by the body in the pineal gland of the brain and is also offered as a food supplement. The melatonin level is 3 to 12 times lower during the day than at night. In the EU, only narrowly defined claims under fixed conditions are authorized for it; depending on the dosage and presentation, it is sometimes classified as a medicinal product.
As capsules, tablets, drops or spray, or powder; depending on the product, drops, sprays or other dosage forms can work at different speeds and be more practical in use. The usage is stated on the packaging, even though "Einschlaftropfen Intensiv" can appear as a product-specific designation with individual providers.
Common ones are valerian, hops, lemon balm, passionflower or lavender. For these ingredients there are no officially authorized health claims; we therefore mention them neutrally. Which are contained is stated on the ingredient list.
After taking melatonin-containing products, you should not actively take part in road traffic or operate machinery. In any case, note the instructions on the packaging.
In the case of persistent sleep problems, medical clarification is the right way. Melatonin is also frequently mentioned in connection with the experience of jet lag. As little as 0.5 mg of melatonin per day is additionally used to relieve subjective jet lag sensations. A food supplement does not replace it.