Sleep and Stress - Dietary Supplements
Choosing the right dietary supplement for sleep starts with understanding your needs. At Profeel, in collaboration with our Swiss laboratory, we’ve made a clear choice: no melatonin—since it’s not authorized for sale in Switzerland—but well-tolerated natural active ingredients like glycine and magnesium. In fact, a clinical study has linked magnesium intake to improved sleep duration and lower cortisol levels.¹ Formulas designed for your restless nights and everyday stress.
Stress and Poor Sleep: What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You
When stress sets in, the body maintains high levels of cortisol, the “fight-or-flight” hormone. However, cortisol levels should naturally drop in the evening to make way for sleep. The result: it takes longer to fall asleep, you wake up during the night, and you feel like you haven’t had a restful night’s sleep—even after several hours in bed. It’s this cycle—stress, nervous tension, and fragmented sleep—that leaves you feeling tired day after day. Clinical studies have shown that magnesium supplementation is associated with lower cortisol levels and more restful sleep¹: this is precisely the principle behind our line of natural sleep supplements.
Glycine, magnesium, and adaptogenic herbs: how each active ingredient works
Each active ingredient targets a different mechanism. Here’s how they work and when to use them:
Magnesium Contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and helps reduce fatigue.² Relaxes the neuromuscular system. Nervous tension, restless sleep caused by stress.
Glycine: An amino acid with a calming effect on the nervous system; studied for its ability to promote falling asleep and improve perceived sleep quality.³ Difficulty falling asleep at night.
Ashwagandha and Rhodiola: Herbs traditionally associated with managing periods of stress (claims currently under evaluation at the European level). Prolonged stress, periods of overload.
Find Magnesium Duo, Glycine Pure, and Ashwagandha in the collection.
Who is it for, and in what situations? Finding the right product
The right supplement depends mainly on your profile and the type of sleep support you’re looking for:
- You have trouble falling asleep: glycine, taken in the evening, helps you drift off to sleep.
- Your sleep is disrupted by stress: a magnesium regimen, possibly combined with an adaptogen like ashwagandha, helps restore more stable and restorative nights.
- You’re experiencing chronic fatigue with no identified cause: a deficiency assessment and consultation with a healthcare professional are recommended before taking any supplements.
Need help choosing? See all sleep and stress products. You can also explore our complementary collections: Vitality and Detox for a holistic approach to well-being.
Quality, Safety, and Transparency
Profeel Life is a Swiss laboratory backed by a team of experts committed to transparency in our formulations. Our claims comply with European regulations (EU Regulation 432/2012)² and our content is based on public scientific sources (ANSES, PubMed). Dietary supplements are not a substitute for a balanced lifestyle: in cases of persistent sleep disorders, consulting a healthcare professional remains essential.
Your questions about sleep and natural active ingredients
Melatonin or magnesium: which should you choose to sleep better?
Melatonin affects the body’s internal clock and helps you fall asleep, making it useful for jet lag. Magnesium, on the other hand, reduces stress-related nervous and muscular tension. In Switzerland, melatonin is not approved as a dietary supplement: magnesium, often combined with glycine, is the natural solution offered by Profeel4.
Can melatonin and magnesium be taken together?
Where it is available, melatonin is often combined with magnesium, as they act on different mechanisms: the body’s internal clock on one hand, and nervous system relaxation on the other. This is why Profeel prefers to combine magnesium with glycine. If you are taking medication, consult a healthcare professional.
What is the best time to take these supplements for restful sleep?
Glycine should be taken about 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. Magnesium is best taken in the evening, with a meal, or about an hour afterward. Ashwagandha should be taken in the morning or evening depending on the formula: always refer to the product label.
Is it safe to combine magnesium and glycine?
Yes. The combination of magnesium and glycine is common and generally well-tolerated, as the two active ingredients work synergistically. Monitor your total dosage if you’re taking multiple products. If you’re on medication or if your sleep difficulties last longer than four weeks, consult a healthcare professional.
How long does it take to feel the effects of a natural ingredient on sleep?
You may notice an improvement in the quality of your sleep as early as the first few doses of glycine. Magnesium and adaptogens work more gradually, typically taking two to four weeks of regular use to take effect. Results vary from person to person; a treatment course generally lasts one to three months.
Are these active ingredients safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
As a precaution, ashwagandha is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Magnesium, at recommended doses, is generally well-tolerated but should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Since there is insufficient data, always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplements in these situations.
Sources
- Abbasi B. et al. (2012), Magnesium and Primary Insomnia — PubMed, PMID 23853635.
- Regulation (EU) No. 432/2012 — Authorized Health Claims — EUR-Lex.
- Bannai M. et al. (2012), Glycine and Sleep — PubMed, PMID 22529837.
- ANSES — Opinion on melatonin-based dietary supplements — anses.fr.
Dietary supplements are not a substitute for medical treatment or a varied and balanced diet. Keep out of reach of children. Consult a healthcare professional if in doubt.