Many popular over-the-counter sleep aids contain diphenhydramine, but this common antihistamine sometimes comes with unpleasant side effects. Fortunately, the market offers an array of natural alternatives. We’ll compare two leading brands of natural sleep supplements, Calms Forte Sleep Aid and myPEAK DeltaSleep, so you can make an informed purchase decision.
Few people get the sleep they need to function for the day ahead. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 1 in 3 adults fall into this category, and 40% of those adults fall asleep during the day involuntarily. Rest assured: There are sleep aids to keep you from becoming one of these statistics – and you don’t have to lose sleep figuring out which are the safest ones to take.
Calms Forte Sleep Aid vs. myPEAK DeltaSleep is an original (BetterNutritionNews) article.
Dangers of sleep deprivation
A good night’s sleep is essential for your physical and mental well-being. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of deep sleep for optimal functionality. Signs of sleep deprivation include:
- Depression, anxiety, or irritability
- Reduced attention span.
- Poor memory
- Poor decision-making
- Lethargy
- Inability to think clearly
- Cardiovascular problems
- Migraine headaches
- Obesity
- Weakened immune system
The National Sleep Foundation recommends limiting alcohol, caffeine, and heavy meals, and limiting the use of electronic devices close to bedtime. When that doesn’t work, sleep expert Dr. Joseph Dzierzewski recommends a natural sleep aid like Calms Forte Sleep Aid or myPEAK DeltaSleep.
Natural sleep aids vs. sleeping pills
Most doctors are hesitant to prescribe prescription sleeping pills because of their potential for abuse. Those pills often come with detrimental side effects:
- Allergic reactions
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Nausea and stomach upset
- Drowsiness
- Hallucinations
- Suicidal thoughts
- Tendency to become addictive
Even over-the-counter sleep aids such as Benadryl and Sominex can cause problems because they contain diphenhydramine, a sedating antihistamine. Diphenhydramine can leave you feeling drowsy during the day, interfere with your ability to concentrate, affect your appetite, cause constipation, and can even cause dry mouth.
Natural, plant-based sleep aids like Calms Forte Sleep Aid and myPEAK DeltaSleep contain vitamins and minerals commonly found in our daily diet or chemicals your body naturally produces. They are non-addictive and work with your body’s natural rhythms to help you get the sleep you crave.
Calms Forte Sleep Aid vs. myPEAK DeltaSleep
We compared the cost, ingredients, and the product’s effectiveness to help you choose the best sleep aid. We also looked at possible side effects.
Calms Forte Sleep Aid will cost you about $16 for 100 tablets. Since the dosage calls for three tablets before bedtime, this is about a 30-day supply. Their ingredients contain natural sleep aids:
- Passionflower- This is a natural ingredient commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia.
- Chamomile- Chamomile tea has been used for centuries to induce sleep.
- Humulus- Better known as hops, this herb helps slow down the body’s circadian rhythm for better sleep.
- Avena sativa- Better known as oats, it has a calming effect, yet remains less effective than chamomile or lavender for sleep.
- Calcium phosphate- This natural mineral found in bones and teeth can work as a sedative. However, too much calcium phosphate may cause side effects such as kidney problems, headaches, and nausea.
- Iron phosphate- An iron deficiency can interfere with sleep, but studies show too much iron may cause sleeplessness.
- Potassium phosphate-This mineral can often help improve sleep duration.
- Sodium phosphate- This mineral can help as a muscle relaxant but can also lead to high blood pressure.
- Magnesium phosphate- This mineral is helpful with older patients trying to improve the quality of their sleep by increasing the production of melatonin.
MyPEAK DeltaSleep will cost you about $24 for a month’s supply. Similar to Calms Forte Sleep Aid, the ingredients are all-natural and non-addictive.
- Chamomile extract – DeltaSleep contains 200 mg of this sleep-inducing ingredient.
- Passionflower extract – DeltaSleepcontains 50 mg of this plant-based herb to treat insomnia and anxiety.
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid – Better known as GABA, this amino acid reduces excitability and promotes relaxation and calmness.
- Vitamin B3 – This vitamin is also known as niacin and aids with the daytime fatigue and anxiety that keeps many awake at night.
- Valerian root – has been used for centuries to help people fall asleep faster. Many doctors recommend this plant-based therapy as the safest, most effective herb for a good night’s sleep.
- Melatonin – is the number one doctor-recommended supplement for a better night’s sleep. Melatonin doesn’t put you to sleep, but this naturally occurring substance works with your body rhythms to promote a better, longer night’s sleep.
The bottom line
Calms Forte Sleep Aid and myPEAK DeltaSleep work without the side effects that come with sedating antihistamines. However, myPEAK DelaSleep appears to be the better option since it contains only natural sleep aids and no sodium or phosphorus. While some phosphorus is essential for the human body, too much can cause problems. When you take too much phosphorous, you may trade in one side effect for another. For this reason, phosphorous-containing Calms Forte Sleep Aid is a less desirable option.
More sleep experts recommend the key ingredients (melatonin, GABA, and Valerian root) in myPeak DeltaSleep, ingredients missing from Calms Forte Sleep Aid.
Antihistamines treat stuffy noses and scratchy throats. They are not the best option for sleep difficulties. Sleep supplements are a great alternative if you’re hoping to achieve optimal sleep. They may help you rest easier and feel more refreshed in the morning.
Further Reading For Additional Reference:
News in Health: Good Sleep for Good Health
National Institute of Health: Why is Sleep Important?
CNN Health: Sleeping pill dangers and how to avoid them
Mayo Clinic: Prescription Sleeping Pills: What’s Right for You?
National Kidney Foundation: Phosphorus and your Diet
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
