This Is What Happened When I Tried Som Sleep Water
A good night's sleep can be hard to come by. When the day's stress swirls in your mind and counting sheep fails, you probably find yourself thinking about the remaining hours of sleep you'll get before the dreaded morning alarm goes off. Plus, the glowing iPhone and Netflix running in the background never seem to help either.
When I find myself in this boat, I hesitate to reach for a sleep-aid. Why? Aids such as ZzzQuil knock me out the second I hit the mattress and leave me in a wildly groggy haze until noon the next day. That's why I decided to play guinea pig after stumbling across a jazzy new drink, Som Sleep water, that claims to help you fall asleep and help you maximize the sleep you're getting.
Som comes in an 8.1-ounce bottle. The instructions direct you to drink it 30 minutes before bed in order to fall asleep faster and enjoy more quality sleep. While embarking on my week of guzzling Som before bedtime, I enlisted the help of national nutrition and weight loss expert Samantha Cassetty, MS, RD, to help me uncover what's in this bev.
What ingredients are in Som Sleep Water?
The single-serving bottle contains 357 milligrams of GABA, a neurotransmitter that's associated with sleep, as well as vitamin B6, which promotes normal brain development and promotes nervous system and immune system health. L-theanine, melatonin, and magnesium are some of the other ingredients on the list.
"Although the ingredients used in this formula get a lot of buzz for promoting relaxation and sleep, there are a few concerns," Cassetty says. "For starters, drinking a full eight ounces of fluid just before bedtime can lead you to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, which would interfere with your sleep."
Cassetty also expressed her concern about the type of magnesium (magnesium citrate) used in the drink. "This form of magnesium can cause a laxative effect (it's sometimes used to treat constipation), so it's not recommended for people with GI concerns."
Cassetty continues: "Melatonin can be a safe, short-term solution to help promote better sleep, but it's unclear how much is in this product. To help you fall asleep faster, 0.3 to 5 milligrams may be needed. Since this product includes a blend of ingredients, it's unclear how much of any single one of the blend it provides."
What does it taste like?
During my week trial, I tried both versions of Som: the Original and the Sugar-Free. The Original can is packed with 8 grams of sugar per serving and tasted way too sweet for something you're supposed to sip on minutes before getting shut-eye. "I wouldn't suggest a supplement with two teaspoons of added sugar. That's 1/3 of the suggested cap for women," Cassetty says. The sugar-free version tasted a bit artificial, like a Diet Coke… Eeek! However, it contains zero artificial sweeteners and is sweetened with a blend of erythritol, monk fruit, and stevia.
How did I feel after drinking Som Sleep Water?
Taking my Som started out a little on the rocky side. The first night I tried the supplement, I took it too late. I, unfortunately, found out the hard way the next morning and the entire day. Getting ready for bed around 11:30 p.m., I drank a full sugar-free can and fell asleep shortly after 12 a.m. I didn't wake up once through the night, but when my alarm clock went off at 7:45 a.m., I felt that intense haze that usually comes with popping a melatonin pill. I snoozed my alarm, slept for one more hour, and once I was fully up I couldn't snap out of my grogginess until almost 3 p.m. Yikes! I figured this was my mistake for taking it too late.
For the remaining days, I found that taking Som at 9:30 p.m. or 10 p.m. was the sweet spot. I didn't even need to drink the entire can. On the last day, I drank 3/4 of a can around 9:30 p.m. The next morning, I jumped right out of bed as soon as my alarm clock went off. Throughout the day, I felt well-rested and sharp.
Should you try Som?
I'd recommend anyone give Som a try to see if it lands you the perfect night's sleep. However, if you're looking for something more natural, Cassetty recommends a few alternatives. "Sleep is such an important pillar of health and wellness. I'm in favor of natural remedies that promote healthier sleep, though that doesn't always mean a supplement is in order. Creating a relaxing routine at night, capping caffeine after early afternoon, and staying off of your phone within an hour of bedtime are a few things you can do to promote a better night's sleep."
