Sleep

Products people buy with sleep in mind - magnesium (including glycinate and bisglycinate), valerian, L-theanine, lavender, chamomile, herbal blends and bath products, in capsules, tablets, teas, powders, gummies and creams. Brands include Viridian, Natures Aid, Rescue, Lamberts, Kalms and BetterYou.

Being straight about the claims

There is no authorised health claim for sleep on any food supplement sold in Great Britain. Melatonin does have one, but melatonin is a prescription-only medicine in the UK and is not sold as a supplement here. So nothing in this collection can be described as helping you sleep, and we are not going to imply otherwise.

What the nutrients here do have claims for

Magnesium contributes to normal psychological function and to the normal functioning of the nervous system, and it is the most-bought product in this collection by a wide margin. Several B vitamins contribute to the same. That is the honest extent of it.

Herbal products and Traditional Herbal Registrations

Valerian, passionflower and hops are the traditional herbs in this area. Some products containing them hold a Traditional Herbal Registration, which is granted on the basis of long-standing use rather than clinical trials, and which does allow a specific form of wording on the pack. A Vogel's Dormeasan is one example. Read the pack - the registration tells you what the product is registered for.

When to see your GP

Persistent insomnia is worth a conversation with a doctor. It is common, it has treatable causes, and cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia is more effective than anything sold here. If you are lying awake most nights, please do not work through a shelf of supplements first.

Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.