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The Best Nootropic Supplements For Sleep

2nd March 2021

Health Nutrition

2nd March 2021

By Shivraj Bassi

If there’s one thing which will improve the quality of your life, make you happier and make you feel like the best version of yourself, it’s getting a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, getting a good sleep quality is often the first thing to go when we’re stressed, sad or anxious. Long day of meetings at work tomorrow? You can look forward to dreaming about your boss. Having family problems? Good luck drifting off when all you can think about is how to fix them. 

Life is so busy these days, and the added stress of COVID-19 doesn’t help. But what if there was a way to help you achieve a state of zen more easily, and drift off into a peaceful night’s slumber with the help of a capsule? We bet we’d have your attention. 

We’re not talking about sleeping pills here - far from it. Instead, the latest thing which can help you fall asleep the moment your head hits the pillow are nootropics. Effective supplements which are used for enhancing cognitive function, they can help to boost both brainpower and the executive functions of your body, which include memory, alertness, motivation and sleep. 

Innermost makes a nootropic designed to help you get a good night’s rest called The Relax Capsule. In this article, we’ll take a look at why sleep is important, how supplements can help and how The Relax Capsule works its magic. Strap on your eye mask and put on your pyjamas, because your nights are about to get a whole lot more restful.

Why is sleep important?

Sleep is one of the most natural things in the world (so why is it so hard to achieve sometimes?). Every human and animal sleeps, yet around a third of adults are sleep-deprived. 

Sleep links to almost all other bodily functions, from the normal functioning of the body, to digestion, to mental function, to sexual health and of course to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. 

One of the most crucial functions that a good night’s sleep achieves is memory solidification. This is the process by which of the experiences of your day are mentally filed and sorted and processed by your brain. Adequate sleep can help to enhance your memory and strengthen your brain power. In addition to this, the alertness you feel the day after sleeping well will help to reduce your levels of distraction, reduce cravings for unhealthy food and help you to stay motivated to work hard and stick to your exercise regime. 

Getting a poor night’s sleep increases the levels of cortisol in your body. A stress-inducing hormone, cortisol increases the amount of glucose in your blood, and shuts down functions which your body wouldn’t need if it was a fight or flight situation. Having raised cortisol levels over an extended period of time can lead to problems with your digestive system, reproductive system, immune system and even growth processes. 

Reduced amounts of sleep are also likely to contribute to eating more sugary, fatty foods and not having the motivation to exercise. Regular poor sleep can put you at risk of a number of serious medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, obesity and it can even shorten your life expectancy. 

What are nootropics for sleep?

Photo by Gregory Pappas on Unsplash

Nootropics are ingredients that can help enhance cognitive functions. Different nootropics affect different functions of the body in various ways. The Relax Capsules contain a number of nootropic ingredients that can help soothe the body, relax your mind and promote restful sleep. They can help you to separate your work life from your personal life, and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Let’s explore the active ingredients that make these capsules so great.

These are the amounts of active ingredients you get per two capsules of nootropic, which is the recommended amount. 

Lion’s Mane Mushroom (350mg): These are white fungi that have long, shaggy spines. Research suggests that they may offer a range of health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved cognitive and heart health.

L-Glycine (250mg): An important amino acid and a neurotransmitter, glycine helps increase serotonin levels, which is required to make the sleep hormone melatonin. It can help reduce symptoms of insomnia, restore healthy sleep patterns, and encourage deeper, more restful and refreshing sleep.

Ashwagandha (200mg): One of the most powerful and revered adaptogenic herbs in Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha is well-known for its restorative and rejuvenating benefits. It’s used to help the body cope with external stresses such as toxins in the environment and internal stresses such as anxiety and insomnia.

Valerian Root (100mg): This medicinal herbal has been used since ancient times to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and for the relief of sleep disturbances. Results from multiple studies indicate that valerian root can help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and promote a deeper more restful sleep.

5-HTP (Griffonia Seed Extract) (100mg): This is a compound which gets converted into serotonin in the brain, one of the principal neurotransmitters involved in happiness and anti-depression. It can help improve mood, reduce anxiety and help regulate sleep cycles.

L-Theanine (100mg): A relaxing but non-sedative amino acid that has been shown to help reduce cortisol levels in the body (the stress hormone). It works by helping reduce feelings of stress and improving attention.

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In the past few years, collagen has gone from a niche beauty buzzword to one of the most searched-for supplements available. Walk down any health aisle and you'll find it in powders, capsules, sachets and even coffee blends.  Marine collagen has become a particular favourite, often praised for its hydrolysed peptide format and its links to healthier-looking skin. But how much of that holds up once you look at the science? And is a marine collagen supplement worth adding to your routine? This guide covers what marine collagen is, the benefits, how it works, and what the research shows. No miracle promises. Just a clear, honest look at where collagen fits into your modern wellness routine. Let’s get into it! Key takeaways Marine collagen is a hydrolysed protein sourced from fish skin and scales, made up almost entirely of Type I collagen - the type most abundant in human skin. 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Hair and nail support The promise of stronger nails that split and chip less, and hair that feels healthier and more resilient, is a big part of marine collagen's appeal and a common reason people add it to their diet. The honest picture here is that the science of this benefit is less established.  Hair and nails are made mostly of keratin rather than collagen, so the link is more indirect. Some small studies suggest collagen peptides may help with nail strength, although they do not claim to prove that marine collagen is a guaranteed solution for hair growth or brittle nails. Some marine collagen formulas also include biotin, which has authorised EFSA health claims for contributing to the maintenance of normal hair and normal skin. That makes it a useful supporting ingredient in beauty-focused supplements, but marine collagen should not be treated as a guaranteed solution for hair growth or nail strength. 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Marine collagen vs bovine collagen Marine and bovine collagen are two of the most common forms of collagen supplements that you will hear about: Marine collagen is sourced from fish, usually the skin and scales Bovine collagen comes from cattle, most often the hide. Both are commonly hydrolysed into collagen peptides, which means they have been broken down into smaller fragments that are easier for the body to digest and use. The main difference is usually the collagen profile. Marine collagen is typically rich in Type I collagen, the type most strongly associated with skin, bones and connective tissue. Bovine collagen usually contains both Type I and Type III collagen, giving it a slightly broader collagen profile. That does not make one automatically better than the other. Marine collagen may be more appealing if your focus is skin support or you prefer a fish-derived source, while bovine collagen may suit those looking for a wider mix of collagen types. In both cases, the quality of the supplement matters more than the source alone. Look for hydrolysed peptides, a clear dose, transparent sourcing and a format you can use consistently. Feature Marine collagen Bovine collagen Source Fish or other marine sources, often skin, scales or bones Cattle, usually hides or bones Common collagen types Mainly Type I collagen Type I and Type III collagen Often chosen for Skin hydration, elasticity and beauty-focused routines General collagen support, including skin and connective tissue Digestibility Usually hydrolysed into collagen peptides for easier digestion and mixing Also commonly hydrolysed into collagen peptides Taste and texture Can have a mild marine taste if not well formulated Usually more neutral, though this depends on the product Dietary considerations Not suitable for fish allergies, vegans or vegetarians Not suitable for people avoiding beef, vegans or vegetarians Main thing to check Source, collagen dose, peptide format and taste Source, collagen dose, peptide format and quality Is marine collagen worth taking?  For most people interested in skin health, marine collagen is a reasonable, low-risk supplement to try, as long as your expectations are realistic. The evidence for gradual gains in skin hydration and elasticity is reasonably solid. The case for hair, nails and joints is softer, but it's building. It also works best as one piece of a bigger picture and should be consumed alongside a protein-rich, varied diet, decent sleep, sun protection and staying hydrated. If you do give it a go, choose a hydrolysed product with a sensible dose and supporting nutrients like vitamin C, commit to a consistent 8 to 12 weeks, and judge the results for yourself. Whatever source you land on, quality and consistency are what turn a supplement from a hopeful purchase into a habit worth keeping. That is the standard we hold every formula to at Innermost: science over hype, quality ingredients and nothing you do not need. Whether you are looking at collagen, protein or everyday wellness support, the same rule applies: choose what fits your body, your goals and the routine you can actually stick to. If you're not sure where to start, our free nutritionist consultation can help you work out what actually fits your goals. Frequently asked questions  Is marine collagen better than bovine collagen?  Neither is outright better. Marine is primarily Type I and may appeal to those looking for a fish-derived source, while bovine offers Types I and III and is often cheaper. Can vegans take marine collagen?  Marine collagen comes from fish, so it isn't suitable for vegans or vegetarians. Vegan "collagen support" products work differently, supplying nutrients such as vitamin C that contribute to normal collagen formation rather than collagen itself. Does marine collagen taste fishy?  A good-quality hydrolysed marine collagen should be virtually flavourless. A noticeable fishy taste is usually a sign of a lower-quality product. How much Marine Collagen should I take? Most research points to an effective daily intake of somewhere between 2.5g and 15g of collagen peptides, with many of the skin studies sitting in the middle of that range. References Czajka, A., Kania, E., Genovese, L., Corbo, A., Merone, G., Luci, C., Sibilla, S., Siciliano, C. (2018). Daily oral supplementation with collagen peptides combined with vitamins and other bioactive compounds improves skin elasticity and has a beneficial effect on joint and general wellbeing. Nutr Res. 57. Click here. Farooq, S., Ahmad, M., Zheng, S., Ali, U., Li, Y., Shixiu, C., Zhang, H. (2024). A review on marine collagen: sources, extraction methods, colloids properties, and food applications. Collagen Leather. 6(11). Click here. Myung, S., Kim, J., Lee, Y., Choi, Y. (2025). Effects of collagen supplements on skin aging. Am J Med. Click here. Pu, S., Huang, Y., Pu, C., Kang, Y., Hoang, K., Chen, K., Chen, C. (2023). Effects of oral collagen for skin anti-aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients. 15(9). Click here Evans, M., Lewis, E., Zakaria, N., Pelipyagina, T., Guthrie, N. (2021). A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study to evaluate the efficacy of a freshwater marine collagen on skin wrinkles and elasticity. J Cosmet Dermatol. 20(3), 825–834. Click here. Hexsel, D., Zague, V., Schunck, M., Siega, C., Camozzato, F., Oesser, S. (2017). Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. J Cosmet Dermatol. 16(4), 520–526. Click here. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). (2010). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to biotin. EFSA Journal. 8(10), 1728. Click here.
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