Unlock Better Sleep with Collagen: How Glycine Can Help You Rest Easier
If you're one of the many people struggling to get a full night's rest, you might be willing to try almost anything that promises a better sleep experience. From cognitive behavioral therapy to herbal remedies like saffron, the search for sleep solutions is endless. But what if the key to a deeper, more restful sleep is something you already know about—collagen?
While collagen is commonly praised for its benefits to skin and joint health, emerging evidence suggests it might also be an effective sleep aid. Here’s what you need to know about collagen’s potential to help improve sleep and how you can incorporate it into your routine.
What Makes Collagen a Sleep Helper?
Collagen is rich in glycine, an amino acid that plays a significant role in regulating sleep. Research has shown that glycine helps improve sleep quality by promoting the production of serotonin, which then converts into melatonin, our sleep-regulating hormone. This helps signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down.
Glycine also functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, similar to GABA, which calms the central nervous system. By reducing mental chatter and promoting relaxation, glycine helps you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper, more restorative sleep.
The Science Behind Glycine and Sleep
One key study in 2007 found that glycine significantly improved sleep quality. Participants who took glycine before bed reported feeling more rested and had fewer instances of waking up during the night. Since glycine is a natural calming agent, it may reduce sleep onset and help you stay asleep longer.
However, while glycine has a well-documented history of supporting sleep, there’s limited direct research on collagen’s effect on sleep. That said, anecdotal reports and nutrition experts, such as Charlotte Faure Green, suggest that collagen supplements—thanks to their glycine content—can be beneficial for better sleep. In fact, some practitioners, including Faure Green, recommend collagen-based products to clients struggling with sleep issues, noting that many have reported more restful nights after incorporating collagen into their routine.
How Much Collagen Should You Take?
To reap the sleep benefits of collagen, you’ll need a dose of around 3 grams of glycine, which is typically found in about 15mg of collagen peptides. This dosage has been linked to improvements in sleep quality in clinical studies. For most collagen supplements, this would mean consuming around 10–15 grams of collagen (typically two scoops of a collagen powder) per day.
Taking collagen 30–60 minutes before bed is recommended to allow glycine to work its magic. If you’re looking to achieve better sleep, taking a collagen supplement with a higher glycine content may be more effective. But keep in mind that pure glycine supplements could offer faster and more direct sleep benefits.
Can Collagen Help You Sleep Better? Real-World Examples
While the research on collagen and sleep is still in its early stages, many people are finding success with collagen supplements. One such option is Muscleology's Premium Amp'd Collagen for Youthful Skin and Joint Support. This product contains high-quality collagen peptides, designed not only to support youthful skin and joint health but also potentially help you achieve better sleep due to its glycine content.
You can learn more about Muscleology Premium Amp'd Collagen and its sleep-enhancing benefits here.
Collagen vs. Other Sleep Aids
When considering natural sleep aids, it’s important to remember that glycine is just one option in the broader toolkit. Other nutrients, such as magnesium, L-theanine, taurine, and saffron, are often recommended for improving sleep.
For example, magnesium glycinate is known for its calming properties, while L-theanine (found in matcha) and taurine are both beneficial for calming the mind and soothing the nervous system. If you’re looking for a comprehensive sleep support solution, combining glycine with other nutrients might be the most effective route.
Vegan Collagen: Does It Work for Sleep?
If you're considering a vegan collagen supplement, keep in mind that these products typically contain amino acid complexes to support the body’s collagen production, but they do not contain glycine in the same amounts as animal-derived collagen. As a result, vegan collagen may not provide the same sleep benefits.
Final Thoughts: Collagen as a Sleep Solution
Collagen’s glycine content makes it a promising natural sleep aid. While more research is needed—especially on women’s sleep patterns—early studies and anecdotal evidence suggest collagen can help improve sleep quality. If you're looking for a collagen supplement that could support both your skin and your sleep, consider Muscleology Premium Amp'd Collagen for Youthful Skin and Joint Support. Its potent collagen peptides, combined with other nutrients, may help you not only look better but feel more rested.
For a deeper dive into how collagen can improve your sleep and overall wellness, check out Muscleology Premium Amp'd Collagen here.