Sleep Supplement Manufacturing Trends

Sleep. We spend about one-third of our lives in this activity, and yet know very little about its importance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1

50 to 70 million Americans suffer from sleep insufficiency accounting for $1.6 billion in medical costs and resulting in approximately 100,000 automobile crashes every year.
Sleep insufficiency is related to industrial disasters, medical and other occupational errors.
Lack of sleep is also linked to increased risk of numerous health concerns.

Sleep is so vital that Dr. James Maas, a professor of psychology at Cornell University says that America is imperiled not so much by its national debt, but by its national sleep debt, which threatens the nation's health and mental fitness. 2

Sleep Deprivation - A Critical Health Concern

Blame technology or work-related stress as reasons that are keeping Americans up at night, but statistics show that more and more Americans are finding it difficult to get a good night's sleep. According to the CDC, insufficient sleep is a growing public health epidemic affecting the nation's work performance, productivity and health. Russell Rosenberg, the Vice Chairman of the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), based in Washington D.C., says, "Unfortunately, cell phones and computers, which make our lives more productive and enjoyable, may be abused to the point that they contribute to getting less sleep at night leaving millions of Americans functioning poorly the next day." According to NSF's survey, nearly 95 percent of the respondents said they used some type of electronic device before going to bed and about two-thirds said they do not get enough sleep during the week. NSF states that a lack of sleep is impacting work, mood, family, driving habits, sex lives and health. The survey revealed that lack of sleep is not just limited to professionals or the older generation but Generation Z'ers, 13-18 year olds, were found to be the most sleep-deprived group. 3

Consumer Demand for Sleep Supplements Rising

Nutraceutical manufacturers have been introducing a range of sleep supplements to help meet the growing needs of Americans who are looking for ways to get a restful night's sleep. More consumers are turning to herbal and natural sleep supplements. According to Herbal Supplements and Remedies: A Global Strategic Business Report by Global Industry Analysts (a market research company based in California) the global herbal supplements and remedies market is expected to reach nearly $100 billion by 2015. 4

As more Americans realize the benefits of sufficient sleep, consumer demand for sleep supplements will rise. Packaged Foods, a leading provider of market research information based in Maryland, expects the OTC sleep aids market to be valued at $759 million by 2013. According to BCC Research, a market research resource based in Massachusetts, the global sleep aids market was estimated to be worth $25 billion in 2009 and predicted to grow up to 2014 at 5.8 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR). 5-6

Ingredients to Consider When Manufacturing Sleep Support Supplements

In a recent study published in Phytotherapy Research, a team of scientists tested the calming powers of a cup of passion flower tea against a cup of parsley tea. The group that was given passion flower reported an increase in sleep quality by 5 percent against the group given parsley tea. This study is the first to find evidence that supports Passiflora incarnata's ability to improve perceived sleep quality. It introduces the possibility of using a low serving of Passiflora incarnata, in the form of tea, to manage mild sleep quality complaints. 7

Other popular ingredients that supplement manufacturers can use in natural sleep aid supplements include:

Chamomile has several calming properties, but the flowers in particular are known to produce a calming effect on the mind preparing the body for sleep. It is popularly used as a bedtime tea. 8

Valerian is one of the most popular herbs used for sleep support. Valerian root has a calming effect on the nervous system. In this day and age, when round-the-clock technology keeps us alert 24/7, valerian may help to bring rest to an overactive mind. It is often combined with other herbs that have a calming effect such as lavender, lemon, balm, skullcap, and hops.

Hops is known to have anti-stress and mild calming properties. 9-10

L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea. A cup of green tea before bed is known to promote a relaxed state of mind that supports sound sleep. 11

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical released by the brain in times of psychological and physiological stress. It too, has a natural calming effect on the mind. According to some studies a lack of GABA has been noticed in people who experience stress, sleep concerns, and other nervous behaviors. 12

Melatonin is a hormone that is released by the brain in the night and is associated with sleep. Along with other hormones, it works to help maintain the body's circadian rhythm. Sleep supplements may also contain precursors to melatonin, such as L-tryptophan and 5-HTP. L-tryptophan is converted to 5-HTP which is converted to serotonin and subsequently to melatonin. 13

Supplement business owners can enhance their product line by including sleep support products in popular delivery forms like powders, capsules, and tablets. If you are looking to manufacture high-quality, well-formulated dietary supplement products to meet this burgeoning market, there's no better time than now to consider your options. NutraScience Labs can custom design a product for your target consumer market.

Call (855) 492-7388 and learn from one of our knowledgeable Production Specialists how we can help you produce a sleep support supplement efficiently and quickly while upholding the highest quality standards. Or if you're ready with your product requirements, send us your request to receive a free nutraceutical manufacturing quote. Our typical turnaround time on price requests is 48 hours.