Best Sleep Aids (2025) – Tested By Our Experts 

Thanks to its robust formulation of popular sleep-boosting ingredients and affordable price point, we feel that Nutricost’s Sleep Aid Complex is the best sleep aid on the market today. Kate Meier, Sleepopolis editorial team member and certified personal trainer, tested these capsules for multiple weeks, stating that these sleeping pills were key to her getting better sleep, rating the effects at 4 out of 5. “I was able to fall asleep quickly and experienced no sleep disturbances or drowsiness the next day. My partner also trialed these capsules and had similar results with no unwanted side effects.”

Each serving of Nutricost Sleep Aid Complex contains 10 sleep-supporting ingredients, including zinc, GABA, valerian extract, passionflower extract, and melatonin, among others. Sydney Lappe, registered dietitian nutritionist, does commend the formulation for its well-rounded design, rating the makeup at 4 out of 5.

However, we do note that the included zinc may be too much for some athletes. “While this mineral can be effective for improving sleep quality, the 30 milligrams per serving is fairly close to the 40-milligram upper intake recommendation for adults,” Sydney adds. (2)(3) “Excessive zinc intake can lead to symptoms including dizziness, headaches, and gastric distress, so it may be best to speak to your healthcare provider prior to starting with this supplement.”

In terms of the serving size, Nutricost recommends taking three capsules prior to bed. Kate rates the swallowability at 5 out of 5, stating, “I had no issues with the capsules and appreciate that there’s no apparent taste, even when letting the pills sit on my tongue for a bit.” We understand, though, that pill-averse individuals may struggle to see this serving in a similar light. If you’d prefer a liquid sleep aid, we recommend something along the lines of Lifeforce Peak Rest — a nighttime sleep powder that can be added to your beverage of choice.

Finally, this sleep supplement is one of the more affordable profiles we’ve had in testing with costs per serving listed at roughly $0.50. We rate the value at 5 out of 5, too, since these capsules are available on Amazon, which can be great for scoring discounted shipping rates depending on your subscription level.

The relationship between athletes and sleep is paramount to one’s performance and success in training. “Proper sleep can improve your mood, decision-making skills, focus, and ability to recover post-workout — all potential benefits for an active individual,” notes Sleepopolis medical advisor Dr. Shelby Harris. (12) If you’re wanting to improve your sleep quality with a helpful sleep aid supplement, consider Transparent Labs Sleep & Recover given its impressive third-party testing resume as well as its ability to support muscle recovery during slumber.

We score the formulation at 4 out of 5 thanks to its multiple compounds that can target improved rest and overnight muscle recovery. “The combination of melatonin, magnesium, L-theanine, glycine, tart cherry powder, vitamin B6, and zinc create a multifaceted bedtime approach for rest and muscle repair, which can be appealing to those with an active lifestyle,” notes Sydney Lappe, MS, RDN, LDN. Additionally, Sosha Lewis, Sleepopolis senior staff writer and certified sleep coach, states, “I did notice decreased soreness levels and fewer leg cramps while taking this supplement.”

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Like other supplements from the brand, Sleep & Recover features third-party testing from Informed Choice — one of the more recognizable testing institutions in the supplement realm. We rate the third-party testing at a perfect 5 out of 5, too, since Transparent Labs lists the product’s purity test results directly on the product page, giving you every bit of detail for added reassurance.

One downside to this impressive sleep aid is the serving size, which we score at a modest 3 out of 5. “The directions call for four capsules per serving, and I needed a good amount of water to effectively swallow these large pills,” Sosha notes. “Thankfully, though, there is no present flavor, so you feel like you’re taking a normal prescription.” For a smaller serving, we suggest something like NOW Foods Sleep Regimen 3-in-1, which calls for a single vegetable capsule per dose.

We also score the value at 3 out of 5 given the $1 per serving price tag — a higher total than other sleep aids we’ve tested. Thankfully, though, Transparent Labs offers a ‘Subscribe & Save’ service that can unlock 15 percent off repeat orders along with free shipping.

Perhaps you’re saving up for that best mattress you’ve been eyeing and would rather not invest in a high-priced supplement. Thankfully, there are a number of wallet-friendly sleep aid supplements to choose from with costs per serving under $1.00. For our money, though, we feel Natural Vitality Calm is the best of the bunch with its powdered format and approachable $0.50-per-serving price tag that earned a 5-out-of-5 value rating during trials.

Certified personal trainer and expert product tester Kate Meier has used Calm for multiple years, repeatedly turning to its formulation thanks to the smooth consistency and enjoyable taste. “I’ve had multiple flavors over the years, but the Raspberry Lemonade option is by far my favorite,” she states in reference to her 5-out-of-5 taste rating. “I will say, though, that budget shoppers may prefer the Unflavored variety since it is less expensive.”

We score the formulation at 4 out of 5 as well, given the up to 350 milligrams of magnesium carbonate per serving. “Magnesium can promote muscle relaxation, nervous system regulation, and lowered cortisol levels, making it a potentially beneficial mineral for influencing sleepiness,” notes Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. This Calm formulation also contains up to 230 milligrams of calcium per serving, which can be helpful for bone health and nerve functions. (4)

Mixing up a serving is simple and efficient, according to Kate. However, she scores the solubility at 4 out of 5 since it takes a few revolutions to get everything dissolved. 

“I’d recommend stirring this effectively for at least a minute. I’ve had a few instances where I’ve had some residue at the base of my cup, which required a quick washout and final gulp to get down,” she states. “It doesn’t affect the experience in a major way, but something to consider if you typically rush to bed.” 

If you’d rather not deal with any mixing protocols, consider a capsulated sleep aid like Nutricost Sleep Aid Complex or NOW Foods Sleep Regimen 3-in-1.

“Organic” and sleep aren’t solely linked via the best organic mattresses. Natural sleep aids containing organic ingredients like CBD, natural herbs, and other nutrients are available with products like Garden of Life’s Sleep Well Rest & Refresh tablets, our top pick from the category. These capsules are USDA-certified organic and carry other marks of approval including NON-GMO Project verification and NSF-gluten-free certification.

In addition to the multiple third-party testing seals — we rate these tablets at 4.5 out of 5 for the category — we also enjoy the multifaceted formula that’s free of any soy, corn, or other common fillers. 

“One standout ingredient aside from the natural herbs is l-theanine,” states Sydney Lappe, MS, RDN, LDN. “This amino acid, according to systematic reviews, can help with better relaxation and lowered anxiety, which can be a nice combination for restful sleep.” (5) Matt Shickling, director of content and expert sleep product tester, adds, “I do enjoy the effects brought on by the natural ingredients. I feel I can wind down easily and reach a calm state before nodding off.”

While we enjoy the formulation (another 4-out-of-5 rating), we do note that the included probiotic blend of bifidobacterium lactis and lactobacillus acidophilus — two popular probiotic strains for boosted gut health — is listed as a proprietary blend. “While the dosing is featured on the supplement facts, I would appreciate some additional information on the number of colony-forming units,” states Sydney. “A high-quality probiotic supplement should deliver between 1 and 10 billion CFUs per serving.” (6)

We also have some pause regarding the swallowability of this Garden of Life offering. Matt states that while the single-capsule serving is nice when compared to other supplements, the pills themselves are rather large. “You will certainly need a glass of water with these,” he adds. Accordingly, we score the swallowability at a modest 2.5 out of 5. For those wanting a liquid sleep aid for improved sleep habits, consider Natural Vitality Calm or Lifeforce Peak Rest.

Whether you like to cap off your night with a glass of water, a warm (caffeine-free) tea, or a viral sleepy girl mocktail, having a soothing beverage before bed can be a nice way to complement your sleep hygiene. For those looking to sip their sleep aid supplements rather than take them in pill or capsule form, we recommend Lifeforce Peak Rest. Kate Meier, certified personal trainer and one of our expert sleep product testers, states, “The warmth of the tea is plenty relaxing, and I do like the sweetness of the lemon flavoring.”

We score the taste of this nighttime sleep powder at 5 out of 5, and Kate adds that solubility scores high, as well. “It takes roughly 15 seconds to dissolve, making for a quick, simple beverage prior to bedtime,” she states in reference to her 4.5-out-of-5 solubility rating. “I did not give it a perfect score, though, since I did notice that the powder blends easiest in warm water — cold water does lead to solubility issues.”

We also rate the formulation at 4 out of 5 thanks to the presence of common sleep-supporting ingredients like magnesium glycinate, l-theanine, melatonin, and ashwagandha. “There are some proprietary blends, though, and the brand does not mention any third-party testing,” adds Sydney Lappe, MS, RDN, LDN.

While this tasty, soluble powder can be beneficial for those wanting to align their circadian rhythm, those on a budget may prefer a different sleep powder like Natural Vitality Calm. At roughly $3.67 per serving, Peak Rest is one of the most expensive supplements we’ve had in testing. As such, we score the value at 1 out of 5. Thankfully, though, the brand does offer a subscribe-and-save  service that offers a 15 percent discount in exchange for automatic monthly orders.

For some, fussing with a pre-bed drink or evening tea may be less convenient. If you fall into this camp, sleep aid capsules or pills can be a quick, effective way to help boost your sleep quality. With a serving size of just a single capsule, Pure Encapsulations Cortisol Calm is our favorite of the bunch.

Rather than serve as a dedicated sleep supplement with potential sedative effects, Cortisol Calm works to help manage your stress throughout the day with adaptogenic ingredients like ashwagandha and rhodiola. (7)(8) “Rather than helping you fall asleep fast, this straightforward formulation can be effective for managing your stress and anxiety throughout the day, which, in turn, can lead to better sleep quality during the night,” states Sydney Lappe, MS, RDN, LDN, who rates the formulation at 4 out of 5.

These Pure Encapsulations capsules earn 4-out-of-5 ratings, too, in taste and swallowability. Livvi DiCicco, Sleepopolis staff writer, tested these sleeping pills and notes, “There aren’t any unpleasant tastes, and the single-capsule serving is manageable. However, the pill is roughly the size of a quarter, so those that struggle to take capsulated supplements may be left wanting a more convenient option.”

Pure Encapsulations also recommends taking Cortisol Calm twice daily with meals, which may be less ideal for those that don’t normally eat a full breakfast or dinner. If you’d rather stick to a capsule that’s quick and ready-to-go prior to slumber, consider Nutricost Sleep Aid Complex.

As a final note, we score the potential side effects at 3.5 out of 5. Livvi says her mother also trialed these capsules and had an adverse reaction when taking them combined with an antihistamine like Benadryl. Other reviews do state that the formulation can work, but we strongly suggest speaking to your personal healthcare professional prior to starting a regimen of your own.

The best melatonin supplements can be helpful for improving sleep quality in certain individuals, especially those struggling with chronic insomnia. As such, melatonin can be a key ingredient to look for in a sleep aid. With just three ingredients in the makeup, including 3 milligrams of melatonin, NOW Foods Sleep Regimen 3-in-1 is our favorite sleep supplement using the beneficial ingredient.

Dan Caffrey, Sleepopolis managing editor, tested this NOW Foods product for multiple weeks and rates the effects at 4.5 out of 5. “Relaxation started roughly 30 minutes after taking my single-capsule serving, and I definitely slept hard, even struggling to wake up the next morning,” he states. “To me, the effects weren’t needed — I typically sleep well without any supplements — but I do appreciate the performance and could see this being a positive option for those dealing with sleep disorders.”

Each NOW Foods Sleep Regimen serving is just a single capsule for added convenience. We rate the swallowability at 4.5 out of 5, too, since the pills aren’t excessively large or difficult to get down. “I do wish the caps were slow-releasing, though, for extended effects that slowly carry you into a relaxed state,” Dan adds.

We also appreciate the simple makeup of these capsules, which contain just three ingredients — melatonin (3mg), 5-HTP (50mg), and l-theanine (200mg). “Melatonin helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle, 5-HTP may support serotonin production to improve sleep, and l-theanine is known for promoting relaxation,” states Sydney Lappe, MS, RDN, LDN. (5)(9)(10) “Together, they may offer a gentle approach to winding down, especially for those dealing with stress or the occasional restless night.”

Sleep Regimen 3-in-1 does not carry any third-party testing, but the product is non-GMO and vegan-friendly. We score the third-party testing at a conservative 3 out of 5, though, since we have experience with NOW Foods supplements and do feel that the supplement facts are straightforward enough with little room for clarity issues.

Lastly, while we’re impressed with this formulation and appreciate the convenient ease of use, it’s important to remember that melatonin supplements aren’t a cure-all for bad sleep hygiene. “It’s important to remember that melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced in the brain that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle,” notes Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. “The most effective way to optimize your melatonin levels is through healthy sleep habits and prioritizing sleep hygiene along with cognitive behavioral therapy.”