Science-Backed Support for Deeper, Restful Sleep

If you’re tossing and turning at night, you’re not alone. Over one-third of Canadian adults report trouble falling or staying asleep, with higher rates seen among women, teens, and older adults. Sleep is the foundation of health and at Maxion Nutrition, we know that deep, restorative sleep is the key to good health. That’s why we created Sleep Aid Extra a non-habit forming, clinically inspired formula to help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up refreshed.

The Science of Sleep: How It Works

Sleep is a complex neurological process regulated by a network of brain structures and hormones:

• Melatonin: Signals the body it’s time for rest.

• GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid): A calming neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal activity.

• Serotonin: Modulates mood and acts as a precursor to melatonin.

• Circadian rhythm: Your internal body clock, influenced by light exposure and lifestyle habits.

When these systems are disrupted by stress, screens (Yes! Turn off your devices!), hormones, or poor habits sleep quality plummets.

Sleep Disorders in Canadian Men, Women & Teens

Men:
More likely to suffer from sleep apnea and short sleep duration, often related to obesity, alcohol use, or aging testosterone decline.

Women:
Higher prevalence of insomnia, often related to hormonal changes (menstruation, pregnancy, menopause), anxiety, and caregiving stress.

Teens:
Frequently struggle with delayed sleep phase disorder due to a natural shift in circadian rhythm—compounded by screen time, social stress, and academic pressure.

Source: Canadian Sleep and Circadian Network; Statistics Canada, 2021

Conventional Treatments: From Mild to Severe

• Mild sleep issues: Advised to start with sleep hygiene, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), and nutritional support.

• Moderate to severe insomnia: Physicians may prescribe benzodiazepines, Z-drugs (e.g., zolpidem), or antidepressants with sedating properties.

• Severe or chronic conditions: May require CPAP (for sleep apnea) or long-term psychological intervention.

However, many conventional therapies carry side effects such as dependence, daytime drowsiness, or withdrawal symptoms making non-habit-forming options like Sleep Aid Extra increasingly preferred.

Sleep Aid Extra: Nature-First, Non-Habit-Forming Sleep Support

Formulated with eight clinically studied botanicals and nutrients, Sleep Aid Extra supports natural sleep regulation without grogginess or dependency.

1. 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)

Function: Precursor to serotonin → melatonin
Dose: 100–300 mg
Evidence: Clinical studies show 5-HTP improves sleep onset and quality by increasing REM sleep and serotonin levels (Jacobs et al., 1977; Shaw et al., 2002).

2. Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis)

Function: Enhances GABA activity, promoting relaxation
Dose: 300–600 mg
Evidence: Meta-analysis shows valerian significantly improves sleep latency and quality (Fernandez-San-Martin et al., 2010).

3. Melatonin

Function: Regulates circadian rhythm and sleep-wake cycles
Dose: 1–5 mg
Evidence: Supported by dozens of RCTs for insomnia, jet lag, and shift work-related sleep problems (Brzezinski et al., 2005). Especially effective in older adults and teens.

4. Hops (Humulus lupulus)

Function: Mild sedative, works synergistically with valerian
Dose: 100–300 mg
Evidence: Shown to improve total sleep time and reduce restlessness (Franco et al., 2012).

5. Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata)

Function: GABA modulator, reduces anxiety
Dose: 250–500 mg
Evidence: Clinical trials show improved sleep efficiency and reduced nighttime wakefulness (Ngan & Conduit, 2011).

6. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Function: Adaptogen that lowers cortisol and stress
Dose: 300–600 mg (KSM-66)
Evidence: Significantly improves sleep quality and reduces anxiety in adults with insomnia (Langade et al., 2019).

7. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Function: Mild sedative enhances GABA receptors
Dose: 300–600 mg
Evidence: Shown to reduce restlessness and promote sleep, especially in individuals with anxiety (Kennedy et al., 2003).

8. Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

Function: Supports mood and sedation
Dose: 350–500 mg
Evidence: Known for calming properties; enhances relaxation without impairment (Brock et al., 2014).

Non-Habit Forming vs Habit-Forming Sleep Aids

Habit-Forming:

• Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam)

• Z-drugs (e.g., zolpidem, zopiclone)

• Often cause withdrawal, dependence, and tolerance

Non-Habit Forming:

• Botanicals (valerian, passionflower)

• Nutraceuticals (melatonin, 5-HTP)

• Lifestyle therapies and CBT-I

Sleep Aid Extra is designed to be safe for daily use with no risk of dependence, making it a smart first step before pharmaceuticals.

How Much Sleep Do You Really Need?

According to Canada’s 24-Hour Movement Guidelines:

• Teens (14–17 yrs): 8–10 hours/night

• Adults (18–64 yrs): 7–9 hours/night

• Older Adults (65+ yrs): 7–8 hours/night

Tips for Better Sleep (Without Supplements)

🛏️ Create a consistent bedtime routine
📱 Avoid screens 60 minutes before bed
🌿 Use blackout curtains and limit noise
🥗 Avoid heavy meals, alcohol, and caffeine in the evening
🧘 Practice relaxation techniques – deep breathing, journaling, meditation. A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis of 49 studies covering 4,506 participants found that mind-body therapies can be effective in treating insomnia and improving sleep quality for both healthy individuals and patients. The tested therapies included: Meditation, Tai chi, Qigong, Yoga.
🚶 Get natural daylight exposure to reinforce your circadian rhythm

Improve your Microbiota:

A novel treatment strategy referred to as microecological therapy has emerged, featuring several potential interventions targeting the gut microbiota to improve sleep quality and quantity. The targets of this therapy include regulating the abundance of specific bacterial groups, microbial metabolites, intestinal barrier function, and host immune response. Evidence suggests that microbiota manipulations like dietary interventions and the use of probiotics may be beneficial for the treatment of impaired sleep.

Final Thoughts: Rest Is Power

At Maxion Nutrition, we know sleep is more than a recharge it’s a pillar of your health. Sleep Aid Extra combines time-tested botanicals and nutrients to support natural, restorative sleep without the side effects of pharmaceuticals.

Whether you're struggling with occasional sleeplessness, stress, or hormonal shifts, trust a formula that works with your body’s natural sleep architecture, not against it.

🌙 Sleep deeper. Wake stronger. Live brighter with Sleep Aid Extra. 🌙

References

1. Jacobs, B. L., et al. (1977). The effects of 5-HTP on sleep in humans. Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology

2. Fernandez-San-Martin, M. I., et al. (2010). Valerian for sleep: A systematic review. Sleep Medicine Reviews

3. Brzezinski, A., et al. (2005). Melatonin in humans. Sleep Medicine Reviews

4. Franco, L., et al. (2012). Hops extract improves sleep in mild insomnia. Acta Physiologica Hungarica

5. Ngan, A., & Conduit, R. (2011). Passionflower and sleep quality: A placebo-controlled study. Phytotherapy Research

6. Langade, D., et al. (2019). Ashwagandha root extract in insomnia. Cureus

7. Kennedy, D. O., et al. (2003). Lemon balm modulates mood and cognitive performance. Phytomedicine

8. Brock, C., et al. (2014). Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and its anxiolytic effects. Journal of Ethnopharmacology

9. Wang Z, Wang Z, Lu T, et al. The microbiota-gut-brain axis in sleep disorders. Sleep Med Rev. 2022;65:101691. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2022.101691 

10. Sen P, Molinero-Perez A, O'Riordan KJ, et al. Microbiota and sleep: awakening the gut feeling. Trends Mol Med. 2021;27(10):935-945. doi:10.1016/j.molmed.2021.07.004 

11. Han M, Yuan S, Zhang J. The interplay between sleep and gut microbiota. Brain Res Bull. 2022;180:131-146. doi:10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.12.016 

12. Haarhuis JE, Kardinaal A, Kortman GAM. Probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics for better sleep quality: a narrative review. Benef Microbes. 2022;13(3):169-182. doi:10.3920/bm2021.0122

13. Wang X, Li P, Pan C, Dai L, Wu Y, Deng Y. The effect of mind-body therapies on insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:9359807. doi:1155/2019/9359807