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reBloom Sleep Drink Review: The New All-Natural Cure for Insomnia?

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Recently I was sent a sample of reBloom Sleep Drink.  It’s been in every major magazine, from O to RealSelf to Marie Claire, and I was dying to try it.  Unfortunately, I’m allergic to chamomile and couldn’t actually use it.  Still, it looked great, and some of my favorite bloggers loved it, including Annie Tomlin at BellaSugar, so I decided to do what I do best: an analysis of the ingredients and associated data.

Valerian:  Moderately Effective in Improving Sleep

reBloom contains valerian, which has modest evidence in treating insomnia.  Valerian’s components synergistically demonstrate direct sedative effects and interact with neurotransmitters such as GABA to produce a sleep response, as described in a review in American Family Physician.  

In 2002, valerian was found in randomized, double-blind, controlled trial to have similar efficacy to the sleep drug oxazepam.  A 2003 study also concluded valerian has a “positive effect on sleep structure and sleep perception of insomnia patients.”

Be sure to limit use to no longer than one month and to speak to your doctor if you are taking drugs like Valium or Secopal first.  According to the physician-written guide Alternative Cures that Really Work, valerian has possible side effects when taken for longer than a month, including restlessness and fatigue.  If you are taking benzodiazepines (like Valium) or barbituates (like Sconal), this may also trigger these side effects.

Chamomile:  Induces Deep Sleep, Even in Times of Pain

A 1973 study in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found drinking chamomile tea during cardiac catheterization induced a deep sleep in 10 of 12 patients tested, despite the pain and anxiety associated with the procedure.  Though the sample size of this study was very small, similar effects have been demonstrated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (in a 2003 study) as well as in rats (in a 2005 study).

Melatonin:  The Best Component?

Melatonin has more evidence supporting its use than other alternative sleep aid treatments, according to a study from the journal Psychogeriatrics, which found more evidence supporting the use of melatonin than valerian, acupuncture, massage, or magnetism.  Fascinating, although it may be noted that melatonin works for some patients better than others.  Some insomnia may be due to decreased production of melatonin, some decreased utilization of the hormone, and still others may have insomnia not related to melatonin at all.

Melatonin in large dosages has been associated with depression, headache, lethargy, and suppression of male sexual drive, particularly when taken with alcohol.  If you are taking prednisone or immunosuppressive drugs, talk to your doctor before beginning melatonin, as the hormone may stimulate the immune system.

Bottom Line

Sleep is one of the most vital components to looking your best, as it has been associated with everything from puffy eyes to weight gain.  If you are looking for a sleep aid, reBloom contains three of the best ingredients on the market today: valerian, chamomile, and melatonin.  However, I would limit use to no greater than one month at a time, since valerian has been associated with numerous side effects after use for greater than this duration.  I would also not use this product if I were taking benzodiazepines, barbituates, prednisone, immunosuppressive drugs, or drinking alcohol regularly, as these have all been associated with negative side effects with some of the components in reBloom.  And, as always, speak to your physician first.

reBloom is a really solid over-the-counter alternative medicine to aid sleep, and I’d love to hear how my readers like it!  The company is currently offering a free trial offer (15 days’ supply).  You pay shipping and handling ($4.95) and are automatically enrolled in the auto-shipment program.  You can cancel anytime by contacting the company directly.  If you are interested, head to reBloom’s website and enroll!

Ingredients in reBloom

Vitamin E (as D-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate) 60IU 200%
Vitamin B-12 (as Cyanocobalamin) 30mcg 500%
Magnesium (as Magnesium Lactate Dihydrate) 10mg 2%
humble Sleep Formula 355mg
Valerian Root Extract (4:1)**, Chamomile Flower Extract (4:1)**, L-Theanine**, Melatonin**.

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