Though I don’t technically deal with insomnia, I am more than just a night owl: I deal with a chronic sleep disorder called sleep procrastination. That means no matter how tired I am, I often have trouble getting to sleep at an appropriate time—even with my cozy bed set-up that’s perfectly tailored for restful sleep (complete with a cloud-like mattress and the comfiest pillows!). I can’t shut off my brain in time for bed, and I often experience nighttime anxiety that keeps me up for hours and leaves me exhausted the next day. During times like these, OLLY Sleep Gummies have become my saving grace.
I’ve of course tried plenty of natural sleep remedies and hacks—from limiting screen time before bed to listening to soothing sleep sounds on my trusted Hatch Restore to sleeping with a weighted blanket. All of these tools definitely help to a certain degree, but I’ve found they’re most effective when I combine them with the OLLY sleep supplements.
How the OLLY sleep gummies work
These supplements contain a blend of different over-the-counter herbs, vitamins, or minerals that are designed to promote restful sleep—specifically, 3 mg of melatonin, as well as l-theanine and botanicals like chamomile, passionflower, and lemon balm extracts.
“Melatonin is a hormone that promotes sleep initiation and maintenance, naturally produced by the body,” Kenneth Lee, M.D., the medical director of the Sleep Disorders Center at UChicago Medicine, previously explained to Prevention. “Overall, melatonin can be helpful in regulating your sleep cycle. This can be especially helpful in things such as shift work disorder, jet lag, and what’s called circadian rhythm disorders. This is where your natural clock is not aligned with what your schedule needs to be.”
Another ingredient found in the OLLY gummies is L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves (including matcha) that helps promote relaxation. Research shows that L-theanine can significantly improve sleep onset latency, overall sleep quality, and daytime dysfunction. Additionally, the three botanical extracts in the OLLY supplements—chamomile, passionflower, and lemon balm—all have been shown to improve sleep thanks to its calming, sedative effects on the body.
How the OLLY sleep gummies worked for me
I’ve been taking the OLLY sleep supplements occasionally for the last couple months, specifically on nights when I have trouble getting to sleep or feel particularly anxious or stressed, need to get to bed earlier than usual, or during times when my sleep schedule has become inconsistent or out of rhythm. In each of these cases, I’ve found that the gummies truly help me fall asleep faster and easier.
As recommended, I usually take two gummies approximately 30 minutes before bedtime—but I’ve also found that even just one gummy is enough for me to feel the effects. Within about 30 minutes of taking the supplements, I start feeling super calm and relaxed, and usually within an hour or two, I’m fast asleep. Typically, I have a lot of trouble shutting my brain off during bedtime—and sometimes even experience anxiety and racing thoughts—which tend to keep me up for hours. However, on nights when I take the gummies, I slip more easily and quickly into a relaxed and calm state, and noticeably start feeling the pull of sleep until I eventually and gradually drift off to slumber.
The best part of all, though, is that I wake up in the morning without feeling groggy—which is something I’ve noticed is a common side effect with other sleep aids and supplements I’ve tried in the past. And unlike many other sleep supplements, the gummies actually taste good, too. Not to mention, I personally hate taking pills (and often have trouble swallowing large pills and capsules), so I love that they come in gummy form that’s easy to chew and swallow—plus, they feel more like a treat (a yummy bedtime snack!) rather than a supplement I have to take for my health.
What to know before trying OLLY sleep gummies
It’s important to note that sleep experts don’t recommend immediately turning to or relying on sleep supplements as your first solution to getting better sleep. In fact, as Noah Siegel, M.D., is director of the Sleep Medicine and Surgery Division at Mass Eye and Ear, previously noted to Prevention, practicing good sleep hygiene should be your first move—including things like keeping a consistent sleep and wake schedule, minimizing things that are stimulating before bedtime, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol in the evenings—rather than using a sleep supplement like melatonin.
In addition, sleep supplements can come with the risk of side effects. For example, oral melatonin can cause headache, dizziness, or nausea, as well as some less common side effects like mild tremors, anxiety, and confusion, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, in general, short-term use of melatonin is deemed to be safe.
The bottom line
All in all, as someone who often has trouble getting to sleep, the OLLY Sleep Gummies have been a lifesaver for me during the times I need them. They help feel relaxed and sleepy in time for bed, preventing me from staying up for hours like usual due to active brain and anxious thoughts—and all without making me feel groggy or have other side effects in the morning. Plus, they come in a tasty blueberry gummy that’s easy to chew and swallow. I can’t say whether they’ll absolutely work for everyone, but I’ll definitely be continuing to take them for better, more restful sleep.
Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, be careful about giving supplements to a child, unless recommended by their healthcare provider.
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