If you're one of the millions of people around the world who suffer from sleep deprivation and insomnia, then Andrew Huberman's sleep cocktail is for you.
There are many sleep-enhancement methods recommended by health experts; however, only a few of them have proven to be efficient. One of the most recommended sleep aids is Andrew Huberman’s sleep cocktail. It’s based on three major pillars: decaffeinated tea (chamomile), L-theanine, and melatonin.
Before you decide to try Andrew Huberman's Sleep Cocktail, here are some important facts you should know.
What is Andrew Huberman known for?
Andrew Huberman is a neuroscientist at Stanford School of Medicine who has contributed to the fields of neurobiology and behavioral science. He uses his expertise to share scientific discoveries and tips for living a healthy lifestyle through his podcast, The Human Behavior Experiment (HBE).
In addition to being an excellent and popular teacher who has won many awards, including "Teacher of the Year" by UC Berkeley students in 2010, Dr. Huberman also works as a consultant with companies such as Google and Facebook on how technology can be used to improve our lives.
Why should you try Huberman’s sleep cocktail?
If you're wondering why you should try Huberman's sleep cocktail, here are a few reasons:
- You'll sleep better.
- You'll wake up feeling refreshed and energized--and on the go!
- Your productivity will increase because you won't waste time trying to fall asleep or fighting off insomnia throughout the day.
- Your mood will improve as well; after all, who doesn't want to be happier?
Andrew Huberman's sleep cocktail
- Magnesium Threonate (300–400 mg) or Magnesium Bisglycinate (200 mg) daily
- Apigenin (50 mg) daily
- Theanine (100–400 mg) daily
Andrew Huberman's Sleep Cocktail is a combination of ingredients aimed at helping you fall asleep faster. Let's look at each of Andrew Huberman's Sleep Cocktail ingredients and what they can do to help your sleep.
1) Magnesium Threonate
Andrew Huberman recommends two forms of magnesium to help you fall asleep faster. The recommended daily doses for each form are 300–400 mg and 200 mg, respectively. Magnesium threonate aids in getting ready for deep sleep through brain relaxation; other forms reach only the bloodstream.
2) Apigenin
Dr. Huberman adds 50 mg of Apigenin to his sleep cocktail recipe. Apigenin is derived from chamomile, which has been used for centuries as a sedative, and studies show it can help you relax and fall asleep faster.
However, there are trace amounts of Apigenin in chamomile tea; so if you don't like the taste or smell of it plainly, you may want to try another option for inducing sleepiness.
3) Theanine
Huberman recommends 100–400 mg of Theanine daily. He warned that you should remove Theanine from your sleep supplement list if you are prone to sleepwalking or disturbing dreams. Theanine has relaxant effects and aids deep sleep, which can be helpful for people with circadian rhythm disorders.
As well as taking the supplements listed above, Huberman takes 2 mg of GABA and 100 mg of Glycine three to four times a week.
Huberman tips for better sleep and health
Andrew Huberman is the director of the Stanford University Sleep Medicine Center and a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences.
To help you sleep better:
- Try to get morning light
- Avoid caffeine in the afternoon
- Dim your evening lights
- Don't exercise late in the day
- Use an eye mask and earplug set if you must be awake at night
- Make sure you have consistent sleep times
There is no one-pill solution to falling asleep faster — but Andrew Huberman’s sleep cocktail comes really close. Including a healthy intake of water and relaxation time play huge roles.
When you follow these steps, you will be well on your way to improving your sleep quality without relying on medication.