I recently started tracking my body's natural sleep cycle, and it confirmed what I already knew—a full night's sleep is key to overall health and vitality. But it's not always easy to fall asleep and wake up well-rested.
Som Sleep cropped up as a sleep aid that could help me achieve sound sleep, day in and day out. But the registered dietitian in me had to look past the claims and evaluate the product on its ingredients.
Below is my full review of Som Sleep’s effectiveness, taste, and cost. I'll also explain why using a gentler sleep supplement like Live it Up Golden Hour may be the right choice for your nightly routine. I’ll share:
- Is Som Sleep Worth a Try?
- What Is Som Sleep?
- Purported Benefits
- Ingredients Breakdown
- Quality and Safety
- Cost Analysis
- Taste Review
- Why I Choose Live it Up Golden Hour
Som Sleep Quick Facts
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Key ingredients:
- Melatonin
- Magnesium
- Vitamin B6
- L-theanine
- GABA
- Sweeteners: Erythritol, stevia leaf extract, monk fruit extract
- Purported benefits: Helps you relax, fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up energized
- Possible side effects: Grogginess, headaches, drowsiness, irritability, and stomach cramps
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Flavors:
- Berry
- Cherry
- Mango
- Tangerine
- Packet sizes: 10, 20, and 30-serving options.
- Pricing: A one-time purchase of a 10-serving packet costs $19.99, or $1.99 per serving.
- Shipping: Shipping is $2.99 per order to the 48 contiguous states. One-time orders over $50 and all subscription orders ship free.
Bottom Line: Is Som Sleep Drink Worth a Try?
Som Sleep is a tasty drink that supports sleep quality by including magnesium, GABA, and vitamin B6. However, it's a melatonin-fuelled mix that may not be ideal for long-term usage, and it also uses erythritol and is expensive.
Live it Up Golden Hour is my preferred way to support everyday or fragmented sleep, as it leans into a natural way of addressing underlying factors like stress and inflammation that hamper sleep. It features powerful ingredients like organic turmeric, ginger, ashwagandha, and black pepper that work well together and may foster other health benefits.
What Is Som Sleep?
Som Sleep drifted into the market in 2018 as a ready-to-drink mixture that could combat sleep disturbances and next-day fatigue. John Shegerian, alongside Abdul and Cristine Khan, created Som Sleep after they struggled with lying awake for hours or falling asleep at times that required them to be energetic. They wanted an easy, drug-free product that would not only help them sleep, but also relax. Today, this sleep wellness product is used by 100+ sports teams.
While the company started as a ready-to-drink supplement, it has transitioned into a powdered mix drink. The non-habit-forming drink mix can be purchased online through Som's website, Amazon, or retail stores like Walmart.
One 10-gram stick contains:
- Calories: 10
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Total Sugars: 0 g
- Vitamin B6: 2 mg (118% DV)
- Magnesium: 40 mg (10% DV)
Som Sleep Powder Drink Pros
- Vegan and non-GMO
- Dairy-, caffeine- and gluten-free
- Keto friendly
- No added sugar
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- 4 flavor options
- NSF-Certified for Sport and GMP-certified
- Portable packets
Som Sleep Powder Drink Cons
- 3 mg of melatonin
- Priced on the higher end for sleep drinks
- Some users have complained about waking up groggy
- Uses stevia leaf extract and erythritol
- No returns or exchanges
Som Sleep Drink Purported Benefits
To truly understand if Som Sleep is effective, we need to examine the ingredients that support their claims.
Benefit 1: Aids with Relaxation
Som leverages ingredients like GABA and L-theanine that prompt relaxation and help your body transition from wake to sleep. In a double-blind controlled study, L-theanine demonstrated a positive salivary cortisol response, suggesting that the amino acid does influence how relaxed one feels.
Working alongside L-theanine is GABA, our brain's primary calming neurotransmitter. A study on the relaxation properties of this neurotransmitter demonstrated how it not only impacts alpha brain waves, but also modulates beta waves (related to alertness and active thinking). However, a recent systematic review pointed out how more evidence is necessary to confidently infer the influence of GABA on relaxation and sleep.
Benefit 2: Helps Maintain a Normal Sleep Cycle
This sleep drink mix offers sleep supplementation through melatonin, GABA, L-theanine, and magnesium. Our bodies are gifted with a circadian rhythm that governs our sleep and wake cycles. Science has proven that melatonin, our body's biological dark sensor, reinforces our bodies' circadian rhythm as it sets off a signal to our brain to start winding down. Studies have demonstrated that melatonin supplements may activate the default mode network (DMN) regions of the brain, which promote fatigue and sleep‐like changes.
GABA or gamma-aminobutyric acid, also supports a normal sleep cycle as it directly inhibits histamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that are in charge of "wakefulness." Results from animal studies have hinted that a GABA plus L-theanine mixture may be beneficial for sleep latency and REM sleep.
However, Som Sleep misses out on iron, a key component in combating sleep. Accumulating research emphasizes iron's correlation with sleep. Low iron levels may show up as limb movements, leg cramps, or restlessness, all things that disrupt sleep.
Benefit 3: Combats Grogginess
Som Sleep uses vitamin B6 and L-theanine to help bridge the gap between sleep and a refreshed morning. Vitamin B6 is a crucial cofactor in the synthesis of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that make our body "alert." Also, L-theanine aids relaxation by regulating alpha brain waves, which may aid relaxation while not acting like a sedative. However, in some preliminary studies, vitamin B6 was linked to vivid and bizarre dreams, which may lead to fragmented and non-restorative sleep that may have you waking up fatigued and groggy.
Som Sleep also includes GABA and melatonin. While they aren't traditional sedatives, they may produce a similar effect. GABA is associated with daytime drowsiness, headaches, gastro discomfort, and tingling sensations. My key concern is with the 3 mg of melatonin, as it's almost 10x what the body naturally releases, and clinical data has regularly linked anything over 1 mg with "melatonin hangover."
Som Sleep Ingredients Breakdown
Som Sleep is a multi-ingredient mix, and here's a closer look at what those ingredients do:
- Melatonin: A hormone naturally produced by our bodies that regulates our body's sleep pattern. In a few studies, melatonin has been found to only aid sleep onset and not total sleep duration, quality, or amount of REM sleep. Another study of young adults found that this hormone only supported sleep duration when it was administered at a time when the person's endogenous levels were low.
- Magnesium: Magnesium may support sleep and relaxation as it contributes to the production of melatonin. In a study with participants from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA), magnesium supplementation was associated with shorter sleep onset.
- L-theanine: An amino acid predominantly found in black and green tea leaves, is thought to regulate alpha brain waves. These waves foster a sense of calm, similar to what one may experience while meditating. However, further studies are required to understand the best dose of L-theanine to experience the purported benefits.
- GABA: An important neurotransmitter that blocks certain signals that control sleep and the central nervous system. In animal studies, GABA is known to help with the secretion of melatonin and serotonin, which may sleep. However, the studies' sample sizes were small, and more research is required to ascertain whether GABA has clinically meaningful benefits on sleep.
- Vitamin B6: A water-soluble B vitamin that's critical to hemoglobin production, neurotransmitter synthesis, and breaking down protein. Som Sleep, however, includes a mega dose, with 118% of the recommended daily intake of the vitamin.
- Erythritol: A sugar substitute commonly used to make foods and drinks low-calorie, but it’s one many individuals try to avoid. A 2023 study found that this low-calorie sugar alternative may aggravate gut inflammation for some people. In Som’s 10-gram formula, erythritol comprises a whopping 8 grams.
- Other ingredients: Citric acid, natural flavors, monk fruit extract, and stevia leaf extract.
Som Sleep Quality and Safety
Som Sleep gets a 5-star rating from me for its commitment to quality. The sugar-free mix is NSF-Certified for Sport and proudly manufactured in the U.S. with locally and globally sourced ingredients in a facility that adheres to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Every batch is third-party tested to ensure it's allergen-free and provides consistent quality. The product is also free from fillers like dextrose and maltodextrin, which is a huge plus in my book.
Som Sleep Cost Analysis
It's not just the base price that needs to be considered when selecting a sleep supplement that helps you get a good night's rest. Factors such as shipping and returns serve as hidden costs that can impact your monthly finances. Here's how Som Sleep prices their powdered sleep mix:
- A one-time purchase of their 10-serving packet is $19.99 or $1.90 per serving.
- A subscription brings the price per serving down to $1.69, a savings of 15%. Subscription orders also qualify for free shipping.
- Shipping is a standard $2.99 per order under $50 in the 40 lower states.
Som Sleep doesn't accept returns or exchanges. Also, you have just 7 days to report a damaged product. Also, if you entered the wrong shipping address and the product has been shipped, they won't be able to provide a replacement or refund. It's on you to resolve the issue with the delivery company.
In contrast, Live it Up Golden Hour delivers holistic sleep support at a lower price with its subscription pricing, free shipping for all orders, and considerate money-back policy.
Som Sleep Taste Review
Som Sleep is offered in four fruity flavors:
- Berry
- Cherry
- Mango
- Tangerine
Natural sweeteners like monk fruit extract and stevia are used to strengthen the flavor profile in addition to the erythritol base. Verified customer reviews have commented on how the proprietary blend is refreshing, flavorful, and easy to blend.
My experience with the berry flavor was slightly different. While I was glad the mix dissolved with a quick stir, I couldn't taste the berry as it was very faint, other than a strong sweetness. This isn’t surprising given the three types of sugar substitutes. Some customers felt similarly:
Why I Recommend Live it Up Golden Hour
Som Sleep is a multi-ingredient blend that tackles sleep with not just melatonin, but also L-theanine, GABA, magnesium, and vitamin B6. It’s effective for a number of customers and comes in nice flavors. However, it's not my first pick because:
- The melatonin dosage is not recommended for long-term use.
- It contains erythritol, a low-calorie sugar substitute that needs further study.
- The higher price, shipping fees, and lack of return policy.
There are many ways to support sleep, and when it comes to sustainable supplements, I refer my clients to Live it Up Golden Hour. Instead of relying on melatonin and magnesium to override the body's natural process, Golden Hour leverages the power of antioxidants and superfoods like turmeric, ashwagandha, ginger, and cinnamon to fuel your body's own natural melatonin production.
These ingredients work together to help manage stress, healthy cortisol levels, and inflammation, two of the biggest hurdles to sleep. Priced at just over a dollar per serving, with free shipping and a 30-day returns policy, Golden Hour also comes out as the better value.
FAQs About Som Sleep Drink
Where can you buy Som Sleep?
You can buy Som Sleep online through their website or Amazon, or visit a retailer like Walmart, Target, or Sam's Club.
How long does it take for Som Sleep to work?
Som Sleep takes about half an hour to an hour to kick in. So, it's best to drink Som in that 30-1 hour time period before your usual bedtime.
How much melatonin is in Som Sleep?
Som Sleep contains 3 mg of melatonin. While doses between 1-3 mg are considered safe, for some sensitive users, even 3 mg can have side effects like headaches, grogginess, and dizziness. I would recommend that you reach out to your primary care physician or dietitian before you start on Som Sleep or any other sleep aid.
Is Som Sleep dairy-free?
Yes, Som Sleep is a dairy and gluten-free sleep aid designed to aid with relaxation, falling asleep, and staying asleep.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice or individualized nutrition counseling. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to supplements or medications. Any product or brand mentions are for general information and don’t guarantee results.
References
- https://getsom.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoot-BoReILwTHGeo6SKsw8k9xrlln_4Ynae-pQ1kdJEOxXNYutx
- https://www.amazon.com/Som-Sleep-Melatonin-Magnesium-L-Theanine/dp/B0BV7WQWBV?th=1
- https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Wellness/melatonin-fueled-drink-sleep-nutritionist-trendy-wellness-option/story?id=55979902
- https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/melatonin/side-effects-of-melatonin/
- https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bedroom-environment/best-temperature-for-sleep
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024166960
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1087079220300174
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10925890/
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0247890
- https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/gaba-for-sleep#
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/erythritol#:~:text=Is%20erythritol%20safe?,of%20fibers%20known%20as%20FODMAPs.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1087079225000292
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34562208/
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-HealthProfessional/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6871121/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16427787/
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