Compare the products people often choose for the evening, mostly magnesium drinks, gummies, lotions and bath flakes, plus L-tryptophan and 5-HTP, on what each daily dose contains and the cost per day. No supplement in this collection is authorised to claim it helps you sleep, so we explain what's in them and what the NHS advises first.
All vitamins & supplements · Magnesium · Stress & mood · Vitamin gummies · Ashwagandha
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Do sleep supplements work?
None of the products here can legally claim to help you sleep. The only sleep-related claims in the GB authorised claims list are for melatonin, which we don't stock, and there are no authorised claims for tryptophan or 5-HTP.
The NHS says most adults need 7 to 9 hours' sleep, and its first advice for poor sleep is about habits: wake up and get out of bed at the same time every day, relax for at least an hour before bed, and avoid alcohol, tea or coffee for at least 6 hours before bed. See your GP if changing your habits hasn't helped, you've had trouble sleeping for months, or it's affecting your daily life.
Does magnesium help you sleep?
There is no authorised sleep claim for magnesium. The authorised claims are "Magnesium contributes to normal psychological function", "Magnesium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system" and "Magnesium contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue", and each can be used only for a food that is at least a source of magnesium (GB claims register).
Most of this collection is magnesium in drink powders, gummies, lotions and bath flakes. For oral products, compare the milligrams of magnesium per daily dose: the NHS says 400mg or less a day of magnesium from supplements is unlikely to cause harm, and the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) says magnesium supplements can interact with some medicines. "Magnesium oxide, citrate and glycinate are often sold under the same general category, but they differ in absorption, tolerability and price," says Andy Arshad, who runs SupplementHQ.
What are L-tryptophan and 5-HTP?
L-tryptophan is an amino acid, and 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is a compound the body makes from it. Neither has an authorised health claim, and we don't say they affect sleep or mood.
Both may not mix with some medicines, including antidepressants. The NHS advises people taking sertraline, for example, to tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements. Speak to your GP or pharmacist before taking these, or any product here, if you take medication, have a medical condition, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Are these products suitable for children?
One product here is made for children. Supplements for anyone under 18 should be discussed with a GP or pharmacist first, and if a child is having ongoing sleep problems, speak to your GP or health visitor.
We sell the products on this page. That's our commercial interest, and it's why we show the evidence alongside them. This page is general information for adults, not personalised medical advice. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet.
Written by Andy Arshad, SupplementHQ. Last reviewed 11 October 2026.