Can hops help you sleep better? Science suggests they can. Hops, known for their role in brewing, may also promote relaxation and improve sleep when paired with other natural ingredients. Here's what you need to know:
- Hops and Sleep: Hops have been used historically for their calming effects. Modern research supports their role in improving sleep quality, especially when combined with herbs like valerian root.
- Social Blend™ by IMPOSSIBREW®: A non-alcoholic drink combining hops, L-Theanine, and Ashwagandha. Over 71% of users reported feeling more relaxed, while 88% reduced alcohol consumption.
- Key Findings: Studies show hops, paired with valerian root, can reduce sleep onset time by 42% and increase deep sleep duration without causing morning grogginess.
- Non-Alcoholic Beers: Products like IMPOSSIBREW®'s Enhanced Lager and Hazy Pale retain hops' active compounds, offering a natural way to support better sleep.
If you're considering natural sleep aids, hops combined with other herbs may offer a gentle and effective solution.
How To Sleep Better With Supplement Hops
How Hops Affects Sleep: The Scientific Basis
Research has highlighted how the ingredients in IMPOSSIBREW®'s Social Blend™ contribute to relaxation and improved sleep. This blend pairs hops with scientifically supported components that help maintain serotonin levels and encourage a sense of calm. Together, these elements support better, more restful sleep.
Social Blend™ is designed to help regulate serotonin, a key factor in sleep and relaxation. According to consumer research, over 70% of participants felt more relaxed after using the product, 88% reduced their alcohol consumption, and 95% shared their positive experiences with others [1].
Hops as a Sleep Aid: Past and Present
Historical Sleep Benefits
Hops have been linked to relaxation and sleep for centuries, with early observations noting their natural calming effects. Traditional remedies often used hops to promote restfulness. More recently, scientific studies have built upon these age-old practices to create refined natural sleep aids [1].
Recent Sleep Research Results
Modern studies have examined how hops work alongside other natural ingredients. For instance, IMPOSSIBREW®'s Social Blend™ combines hops with L-Theanine and Ashwagandha Root in a non-alcoholic drink designed to encourage relaxation. Research highlights the potential of these natural components to improve sleep quality.
A satisfied IMPOSSIBREW® customer shared their experience:
"I really did feel chilled out after drinking it (and also slept remarkably well)" [1]
IMPOSSIBREW® describes their product as:
"Social Blend™ is our proprietary alcohol alternative made from a blend of science-backed ingredients using patent-pending technology. Designed to replicate the sensory and social relaxing experience of drinking, minus the headaches (and bad decisions)" [1]
This blend of traditional knowledge and modern science showcases how hops can be used effectively to support sleep without the downsides of alcohol.
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Sleep Benefits of Hops and Herb Combinations
Research shows that combining hops with other compounds like valerian root can improve sleep quality more effectively than using either ingredient on its own. This synergy enhances crucial aspects of sleep, making it a popular choice for natural sleep aids.
Valerian and Hops Research
A 2024 study by Koetter et al. tracked 78 participants over 28 days. It found that taking 600 mg of valerian with 120 mg of hops reduced the time it took to fall asleep by 42% compared to baseline [3][8]. Another study by Dimpfel and Suter (2020), which used polysomnography to monitor 42 individuals with chronic sleep issues, showed that this combination increased deep sleep duration from 68 to 89 minutes per night. In contrast, the placebo group averaged 72 minutes [7][8].
Combined vs. Single Ingredient Effects
Studies comparing the effects of valerian alone against the valerian-hops combination highlight the added benefits of using both together. Key findings are summarised below:
| Sleep Parameter | Combination Effect | Single Ingredient Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Sleep Duration | +12% increase | +4% increase |
| Sleep Efficiency | 84% achieved | 78% achieved |
| Sleep Onset Time | –32 minutes | –18 minutes |
Additionally, objective data reveals a 23% reduction in night-time awakenings when using the valerian-hops mix [2][4]. Importantly, no morning grogginess or rebound effects have been reported. The German Commission E recommends a standardised 2:1 ratio of valerian to hops for mild sleep problems. Recent studies also suggest that hops compounds, particularly humulene, can boost the bioavailability of valerenic acid by 40-60% [3][5][6][7].
These findings provide a strong foundation for creating natural sleep aids. They also inform the development of functional products, such as non-alcoholic beers, that incorporate these ingredients.
Non-Alcoholic Beer and Sleep Support
Hops have long been associated with relaxation, and non-alcoholic beers are now leveraging this through modern, science-backed methods. Recent studies suggest these beverages could serve as natural sleep aids, especially when paired with carefully selected ingredients. This opens up possibilities for advanced formulations like IMPOSSIBREW® Social Blend™ to naturally support better sleep.
IMPOSSIBREW® Social Blend™ and Sleep
The IMPOSSIBREW® Social Blend™ combines traditional hops with other relaxation-promoting elements, developed with input from experts. Research involving over 1,000 participants revealed that 71% experienced noticeable relaxation and improved sleep quality after consuming the blend [1].
"I really did feel chilled out after drinking it (and also slept remarkably well)." - IMPOSSIBREW® Customer [1]
Non-Alcoholic Beer Features
The brewing process is key to retaining the sleep-supporting qualities of these beers. By removing alcohol while preserving active compounds, the advanced fermentation technique ensures the effectiveness of the sleep-enhancing ingredients.
IMPOSSIBREW® offers two popular varieties - Enhanced Lager and Hazy Pale - which come with added benefits:
- Gluten-free (Enhanced Lager contains <10 PPM)
- Low-calorie
- Vegan-friendly
In 2023, the World Beer Awards recognised IMPOSSIBREW® Lager and Pale as the UK's best non-alcoholic beers, highlighting their commitment to quality and innovation [1].
"Designed to replicate the sensory and social relaxing experience of drinking, minus the headaches (and bad decisions)." - IMPOSSIBREW® [1]
For those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing specific medical conditions, it’s recommended to consult a healthcare professional before trying these products.
Summary: Hops and Sleep Quality
Research highlights the potential of hops as a natural aid for better sleep. In a study involving IMPOSSIBREW® Social Blend™, developed in collaboration with Dr Paul Chazot, 71% of over 1,000 participants reported feeling more relaxed, and 88% noted a reduction in alcohol consumption [1].
IMPOSSIBREW® combines traditional hops with ingredients like L-Theanine and Ashwagandha, creating a blend designed to promote relaxation and support sleep. This formula bridges the benefits of traditional hops with modern wellness practices [1].
For best results, it’s essential to consider individual sensitivities and consult a healthcare professional, especially for those with medical conditions or during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
FAQs
How do hops compare to natural sleep aids like melatonin or chamomile?
Hops, a key ingredient in non-alcoholic beer, have been studied for their potential calming and sleep-enhancing properties. Unlike melatonin, which directly regulates the sleep-wake cycle, or chamomile, known for its soothing effects, hops are believed to promote relaxation by interacting with the nervous system. While each has unique benefits, hops may be particularly appealing when enjoyed as part of a relaxing evening ritual, such as a non-alcoholic beer.
If you're looking for a natural way to unwind, IMPOSSIBREW® offers non-alcoholic beers enhanced with science-backed ingredients to support relaxation and social enjoyment, combining great taste with functional benefits.
Are there any risks or precautions to consider when using hops to support sleep?
While hops are generally considered safe and have been traditionally used to promote relaxation and sleep, it’s important to be mindful of a few considerations. Some individuals may experience mild side effects such as drowsiness or an upset stomach when consuming hops in large amounts. Additionally, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional before using hops as a sleep aid.
As with any natural ingredient, moderation and awareness of your body’s response are key. If you’re exploring non-alcoholic beers containing hops, such as those offered by IMPOSSIBREW®, you can enjoy their relaxing benefits while ensuring a balanced approach to your wellbeing.
Can non-alcoholic beers still help with relaxation and sleep due to the hops they contain?
Yes, non-alcoholic beers can still support relaxation and sleep, thanks to the natural properties of hops. Hops, a key ingredient in beer, are known for their calming effects, which may help improve sleep quality.
Brands like IMPOSSIBREW® enhance these benefits by incorporating science-backed ingredients in their unique Social Blend™. This proprietary formula is designed to replicate the relaxing experience of traditional alcoholic drinks, without the negative side effects of alcohol, making it a great option for winding down naturally.
