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?
Every body responds differently. In the published research on Lactium (the peptide we use most of), measurable changes in sleep and stress markers were seen over 28 days to 4 weeks of daily use, not overnight — so we recommend giving Sleepus at least 2 to 4 weeks of consistent, nightly use before judging whether it's working for you. If it isn't working with one capsule after that window, you can increase 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, mood, and sleep. Unfortunately, 70 to 80% of us are deficient in this vital nutrient. According to our own customer research, stress is the top reason women tell us they're having trouble sleeping in perimenopause and menopause. Published research also links magnesium status to the body's stress-response (HPA axis) function and to general mood balance — see this review and this study. We're citing this as background on magnesium's general role in the body, not as a claim that Sleepus treats anxiety or depression — it doesn't, and it isn't intended to. For these reasons, Albion’s buffered magnesium bisglycinate chelate, the form we use in Sleepus, can support a calmer, more relaxed state and 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?
Published research supports melatonin use for women in this phase of life, though as always, talk to your own healthcare provider about what's right for you. 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.