Stories

Fri, 06 Mar 2026

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 Can snacks help you sleep?

Chocolates, bars, gummies and drinks promise to help you sleep, but is the science behind them sound?

* A chocolate brand called Alice Mushrooms has gained a cult following since its launch three years ago, with its Nightcap product now available in 2,000 stores across the US.
* The ingredients in Nightcap, including reishi mushrooms and chamomile, claim to improve sleep quality.
* The co-founders of Alice Mushrooms worked with experts to formulate the sleep-promoting chocolate, which also contains magnesium, zinc, and L-theanine.
* A survey by Sleepopolis found that 47% of Americans take a sleep aid, with natural supplements like melatonin being the most popular choice.
* The "sleep treats" category is becoming increasingly competitive, with other options including Goodnite dark chocolate sleep bites and Good Day Chocolate's "Calm" range.
* Some experts are skeptical about the effectiveness of these products, citing limited research on ingredients like reishi mushrooms and L-theanine.
* Dr. Melanie Stearns notes that studies on L-theanine have often used higher doses than those found in food products, and warns against "dose stacking" with multiple sleep-enhancing ingredients.
* Research assistant professor Lina Begdache advises moderation and clear labeling when it comes to fortified foods and long-term neurobehavioral outcomes.
* Sleep counsellor Dr. Kat Lederle is concerned about the different timing of ingredients and potential interactions between active ingredients and other substances in food products.
* Alice Mushrooms co-founder Charlotte Cruze acknowledges that sleep aids should not be relied upon if underlying issues, such as screen time, are not addressed.