Why menopause messes with your sleep

Menopause brings stress, and stress triggers a flood of cortisol. Over time, your body forgets how to turn it off. Your adrenals keep pumping out stress hormones whether you need them or not, and your sleep pays the price. Sound familiar? According to our research, stress and anxiety are the #1 reasons women wake up between 2 and 4 AM.

And when sleep suffers, everything suffers: focus, mood, digestion, weight, energy.

Sleepus hits reset.

Our formula works with the HPA axis, the system that helps manage your stress response, to support a calm nervous system. With clinically studied ingredients, Sleepus helps support a calm mood, relaxation, and the restorative sleep your body is looking for.

Designed specifically for the fragmented sleep pattern common in perimenopause and menopause.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not imagining it:

• You fall asleep easily but wake between 1 and 4 am
• Your mind turns on instantly
• You feel tired but wired
• You finally sleep again right before morning
  

Then Sleepus is for you.

Questions about our formula? Check out our FAQs below.

Magnesium — 75 mg (12% DV) (as Albion® buffered Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate)

Lactium® (100% milk protein hydrolysate) — 175 mg

Suntheanine® L-Theanine — 50 mg

Melatonin (as MicroActive® Melatonin) — 1.5 mg

Other Ingredients: Hypromellose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Stearate, Silica

Contains: Milk

Important Notes

Lactium & Dairy: Although Lactium is derived from dairy, the final product contains no casein or lactose. If you have a dairy allergy or sensitivity, consult your healthcare provider.

Warning: For adults only. Take at bedtime. Do not drive or operate machinery for 5 hours after taking melatonin. Avoid alcohol or other products that cause drowsiness.

Consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, have a medical condition, or are experiencing long-term sleep difficulties. Not recommended for children without medical guidance.

Keep out of reach of children.

Albion® is a registered trademark of Balchem Corporation. Lactium® is a registered trademark of Ingredia. Suntheanine® is a registered trademark of Taiyo International, Inc. MicroActive® is a registered trademark of BioActives, LLC.

The research behind these ingredients

Sleepus is built around Lactium, a clinically studied milk peptide (alpha-casozepine). Each capsule provides 175 mg, above the 150 mg used in the human studies below.

• Messaoudi et al., British Journal of Nutrition, 2005: adults under lab-induced stress had lower blood pressure and a lower cortisol response versus placebo.
• Kim et al., European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2007: 63 women, 150 mg/day for 30 days, improved emotional, intellectual and digestive stress symptoms.
• de Saint-Hilaire et al., The Open Sleep Journal, 2009: 32 adults, 150 mg/day for 28 days, greater improvement in sleep quality (PSQI) versus placebo.
• Thiagarajah, Chee & Sit, Nutrients, 2022: 39 adults, 150 mg peptide plus 50 mg L-theanine for 4 weeks, about 45 minutes more total sleep (p<0.001) and salivary cortisol down 34.6% (p=0.007).

Want the full breakdown of the research? Read our article Why Do I Wake Up at 3 AM During Menopause?.

Note: these are small human trials and some were supported by the ingredient maker. They support structure and function claims, not disease-treatment claims.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How to Take Sleepus

Take 1–2 capsules on an empty stomach 30–60 minutes before bed.

For best results, take Sleepus every day; it's designed for consistent, daily use rather than occasional or as-needed support. You may start to notice improvements within the first two to three weeks, with most women feeling a meaningful difference by the end of the first month. The good news? Results continue to build the longer you use it.

We recommend continued use with Sleepus for at least
two to three months to experience its full sleep benefits. This is because Lactium, a key ingredient, gradually builds up in your system over time. So regular, uninterrupted use is what unlocks its greatest effect. Each capsule provides 175 mg of Lactium, above the 150 mg used in the published studies; at two capsules that is 350 mg.

Tips from Our Founder

Andrea has been taking Sleepus for over three years and has found that consistency makes all the difference. Some customers find that adjusting their dose over time benefits them. Start with what works for you and listen to your body.

Want deeper sleep? Many customers pair Sleepus with Morphus Magnesium.

Why do I wake up in the middle of the night even if I take melatonin?

Falling asleep and staying asleep are controlled by different nighttime signals.

Melatonin helps initiate sleep, but nighttime alertness is often related to stress signaling and metabolic changes that become more common in midlife.

Sleepus is formulated to support both phases of sleep with sustained-release melatonin.

Is there solid research on the ingredients in Sleepus?

Yes! Like all of our Morphus products, we use branded ingredients with solid research behind them:

Lactium® Casein Hydrolysate:

This clinically studied ingredient helps support a healthy cortisol response, so your body can ease out of stress mode. In laboratory research, alpha-casozepine (the peptide in Lactium®) interacts with GABA-A receptors, which are involved in relaxation, and it does this without sedation or grogginess. It may also help support mood, focus, and memory*. None of the ingredients in Sleepus have been shown to be habit-forming, and no side effects were reported in the published human studies*.

L-Theanine (Suntheanine®):

Studied in over 50 human clinical trials, this amino acid supports cognitive function and relaxation. It helps calm your body and mind, which can support better quality sleep, a more refreshed feeling in the morning, and focus throughout the day. L-Theanine (Suntheanine®) has not been shown to be habit-forming.

Albion® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate:

Albion’s magnesium amino acid chelate is a well-absorbed form of magnesium, with good bioavailability (meaning we absorb it well), biological activity (meaning it stays in the tissues longer), and good stability and tolerance (chosen for its gentle tolerance for most people).

MicroActive® Melatonin:

We chose this type of melatonin because it is micronized (meaning the particles have been processed into tiny particles so it is better absorbed), and uses a sustained-release technology that ensures it is released gradually over a 6 hour period (as opposed to releasing too quickly all at once, or not at all) so it stays in the bloodstream longer. Research shows it allows for the release of a consistent dose of melatonin over a long period of time in order to help you with staying asleep. Melatonin has an excellent safety profile with low risk. In addition, women in their 50's make much less (if any) melatonin, therefore taking it from an external source can help with sleep and duration of sleep. Check out this study/review: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33969545/

Does Sleepus contain dairy?

Although Lactium® is derived from dairy, it is so small that the immune system cannot recognize and react to it. However, always consult with your healthcare professional if you have a dairy allergy or sensitivity. NOTE: The final product does not contain any casein or lactose. However, as mentioned above, always consult with your healthcare professional if you have a dairy allergy or sensitivity.

I wake up between 2 and 4 am every morning and have trouble falling back asleep. Will Sleepus help me?

Both L-theanine and Lactium® have been studied for supporting sleep and a healthy stress response, and elevated cortisol is one factor often linked to waking between 2 and 4 am.

I wake up once or several times a night to pee. Will Sleepus help reduce the number of bathroom visits during the wee hours of the night (pun intended)?

Shifts in cortisol can affect vasopressin, a hormone involved in how often you need to urinate at night. By helping support a healthier stress response, Sleepus may help support fewer nighttime disruptions.

How long does it take for Sleepus to start working?

You should start to feel its effects within 24 to 72 hours of starting to take it, providing you are on the right dose. If you don’t feel it is working with only one capsule, increase the dose to two capsules before bed. NOTE: Each capsule contains 1.5 mg of melatonin so if you take 2 capsules, that is a total of 3 mg. If you take 3 capsules, that is 4.5 mg of melatonin, etc.

Why did you add magnesium to the Sleepus formula?

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body. It is crucial for over 350 enzymatic processes, including energy production, heart rate, glucose metabolism, emotions, and sleep. Unfortunately, 70 to 80% of us are deficient in this vital nutrient. According to our research, we know that stress is the #1 reason we are having trouble sleeping in perimenopause and menopause. And according to the research, magnesium plays a role when it comes to emotions like fear, anxiety, and depression. This study showed how a magnesium deficiency can induce anxiety and HPA axis dysregulation. The HPA axis, according to the study, is the main stress response system. In this study, we saw people who had a higher magnesium intake, had lower levels of depression. For these reasons, Albion’s buffered magnesium bisglycinate chelate, the form we use in Sleepus, can support a better night's sleep. Glycine is an amino acid that helps us to relax. We recommend trying Sleepus on its own, or taking extra magnesium by combining it with 2 or 3 capsules of our Morphus Magnesium.

Why did you include melatonin in the Sleepus formula?

Melatonin is excellent for helping you get into a deep sleep quicker and staying asleep. It is a hormone that regulates your sleep cycle. It has also been studied for antioxidant activity and for supporting immune and gastrointestinal health.* Your “Circadian Rhythm” is your body’s sleep/wake cycle. AKA: your body’s ability to know when it’s time to go to sleep and when it’s time to wake up. Melatonin is an important part of this cycle. As you age, different factors can interfere with your melatonin levels and Circadian Rhythm—from a decrease in estrogen and progesterone, to low levels of serotonin, and a lack of sunlight. With 1.5 mg of high-quality melatonin in every dose, our sustained release formula helps restore your natural sleep cycle and keep it in balance—even when your other menopause symptoms try to mess with it.

Is it safe for women in perimenopause and menopause to take melatonin?

Yes! In fact, it is recommended for women in this phase of life. You can read about it HERE and HERE. This research shows an association between low levels of melatonin and sleep issues in perimenopausal women. And here is more information on research conducted on melatonin and sleep for menopausal women.

Melatonin makes me groggy, will that happen with your melatonin too?

With any brand of supplements that you take, it’s important to ensure you are getting quality ingredients as not all supplements are created equal. Everyone responds differently to different brands and doses, so it is important to listen to your body. For best results, we recommend starting with a low dose and working your way up to a higher dose if you feel you require it. NOTE: Sleepus contains 1.5 mg of melatonin per capsule.

How long will your MicroActive® melatonin release during the night?

It will release slowly throughout the night over the course of 6 hours.

Is Sleepus addictive?

None of the ingredients in this formula have been shown to promote addiction.

Can I take Sleepus with sleeping pills?

Since we are not medical professionals, we recommend speaking to your doctor when it comes to sleeping medication.

Can I take Sleepus with Morphus Magnesium?

Yes! Sleepus helps support healthy HPA axis function, so combining it with Morphus Magnesium can help with sleep.

Can I take Sleepus with food?

We recommend taking Sleepus on an empty stomach in order to maximize its benefits. However, listen to your body. If you need to eat something with it, then please do.

Where is Sleepus manufactured?

It is manufactured in the US.

Can men use your Cortisol-Calm Deep Sleep Bundle?

Yes, they can.

Do you have any sleep tips for me?

Yes, we do. Here are 15 Tips to Sleep Better in Menopause.