Proper Perspectives

Evidence-backed perspectives on the science of sleep to help you live well day in and day out.

Does Omega-3 Help With Sleep?

When you hear the term “healthy fats” in reference to foods such as olive oil + avocados, omega-3s are to thank. But do they help sleep?

Aug. 24, 2022

By Jacqueline Parisi & Alice D. Hirschel

How Melatonin + Serotonin Work Together

Discover exactly how melatonin + serotonin work together. Plus, how they're different.

Aug. 16, 2022

By Jacqueline Parisi & Alice D. Hirschel

Time-Release Melatonin vs Regular (Immediate-Release)

Melatonin levels begin to rise about 30 minutes after taking the supplement—but not all forms last for the same amount of time. It depends on whether your supplement contains standard or extended-release (or both). Here’s what you need to know.

Aug. 02, 2022

By Jacqueline Parisi & Allison Siebern, PhD, CBSM

Does Lemon Balm Help With Sleep?

Lemon balm may have mild anxiety-reducing effects, which can help sleep. But most research has been conducted on small sample sizes and in combination formulas.

Jul. 18, 2022

By Jacqueline Parisi & Alice D. Hirschel

Does Vitamin B6 Help With Sleep?

Vitamin B6 plays an important role in the synthesis of GABA, tryptophan, and serotonin, which all impact sleep—but not all clinical trials have yielded consistent results.

Jul. 12, 2022

By Jacqueline Parisi & Alice D. Hirschel

Does Chamomile Help With Sleep?

Chamomile is rich in flavonoids, which contribute to its sleep-promoting effects—but not all clinical trials have yielded consistent results.

Jul. 05, 2022

By Jacqueline Parisi & Alice D. Hirschel

The Proper Guide To L-theanine For Sleep: Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects, + More

What it is, how it supports sleep, the synergistic relationship between L-theanine + GABA, recommended dosage, how to select a supplement, + more.

Jun. 17, 2022

By Allison Siebern, PhD, CBSM

Does Vitamin D Help With Sleep?

Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb calcium, which is necessary for optimal bone health. But does it help sleep?

Jun. 13, 2022

By Jacqueline Parisi & Alice D. Hirschel

The Proper Guide To Valerian Root For Sleep: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, + More

What it is, how it works, how long it takes to kick in, recommended dosage, side effects, drug interactions, what to look for when choosing a supplement, and more.

Jun. 10, 2022

By Allison Siebern, PhD, CBSM

The Proper Guide To Melatonin: Uses, Types, Side Effects, + More

What to know about melatonin, including who it's best for, how to take it, dose, the science behind it, side effects, + alternatives.

Jun. 01, 2022

By Allison Siebern, PhD, CBSM

Does Magnesium Help With Sleep?

Magnesium is an essential mineral our bodies need for optimal blood pressure, immunity, bone health, and more. But does it help sleep?

May. 30, 2022

By Jacqueline Parisi & Alice D. Hirschel

GABA vs Melatonin For Sleep: Benefits, Side Effects, + More

Discover the benefits and trade-offs of each, as well as a solution that combines both.

Mar. 29, 2022

By Alice D. Hirschel

Is Honey A Natural Sleep Aid?

Honey is one of the most well-known household sweeteners and natural remedies. But does it actually help you sleep at night?

Mar. 08, 2022

By Jacqueline Parisi & Alice D. Hirschel

Melatonin vs Benadryl For Sleep: Risks + Benefits

When it comes to better sleep, melatonin and Benadryl are two of the most common household names—but they’re not made equal. We're diving into the science behind how they differ in safety and efficacy.

Feb. 22, 2022

By Alice D. Hirschel

Melatonin vs Magnesium For Sleep

Discover the benefits and trade-offs of these two natural sleep aids along with who they're best for.

Feb. 08, 2022

By Alice D. Hirschel

The Proper Guide To Tart Cherry For Sleep: Dosage, Benefits, + More

Tart cherries (and their juice) have been studied as natural sleep remedies shown to increase exogenous melatonin levels. Here's what you need to know.

Jan. 26, 2022

By Alice D. Hirschel

INGREDIENT EVIDENCE: Clinical Studies + Data Behind Proper's Raw Materials

Evidence-backed ingredients + dosages create benefits that build over time while supporting all 4 stages of sleep.

Oct. 26, 2021

By Kamiu Lee & Alice D. Hirschel

How Long Should Sleep Supplements Take To Begin Working?

We've become so conditioned to expect fast results from sleep aids. Here's why that's a problem.

Sep. 21, 2021

By Nancy Ramamurthi & Alice D. Hirschel

CBD vs Melatonin For Sleep

Discover the benefits and trade-offs of each, as well as a solution that combines both.

Sep. 14, 2021

By Alice D. Hirschel, David Casarett, MD, MA & Allison Siebern, PhD, CBSM

DEEP DIVE: How Safe + Effective Are Most Over-The-Counter Sleep Aids?

Outside of some medical communities, not many people are talking about this or aware of it. It’s time this changes.

Aug. 17, 2021

By Nancy Ramamurthi, Allison Siebern, PhD, CBSM & Adam Perlman, MD, MPH

The Proper Guide To Ashwagandha For Stress + Anxiety

What it is, how it works to reduce stress, + the science behind how it can improve your sleep health.

Mar. 23, 2021

By Alice D. Hirschel

The Proper Guide To GABA For Better Sleep

What it is, how it works, dosing, side effects, and more.

Mar. 18, 2021

By Alice D. Hirschel

The 5 Best Terpenes For Sleep [2022]

Terpenes are what give things like pine trees + orange peels their distinct scents. So what do they have to do with CBD + sleep?

Mar. 16, 2021

By David Casarett, MD, MA

Algal Oil: What Is It + What Are Its Benefits

The low-down on algal oil vs fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, its health benefits (sleep, heart health, cognitive function, eye health), + more.

Mar. 02, 2021

By David Casarett, MD, MA

Broad Spectrum CBD: What Is It + What Are Its Benefits

What broad spectrum hemp extract is, how it compares to other forms of CBD, health benefits, + more.

Feb. 18, 2021

By David Casarett, MD, MA

Do Natural Sleep Supplements Work? Our Formulation Scientist Weighs In.

The science behind eight natural, safe, and effective sleep supplement ingredients.

Feb. 04, 2021

By Alice D. Hirschel