Getting sleep enough sleep, or more specifically, getting to sleep isn’t as easy as we’d like it to be. For me, the struggle is real, and can at times cascade into further sleep deprivation just from the anxiety created thinking: “what if I don’t fall asleep?”
Due to this, I’ve tried several sleep supplements. From ZMA and sleep teas, to more hardcore sleep supplements like RedCon1’s Fade Out.
Through my trial and error experience, I’ve found Beyond Raw’s Anabolic Sleep to be one of the best.
It isn’t necessarily fancy, nor does it cover everything I’d want in a nighttime supplement… For instance, I have to pair Magnesium with it. But simply put, the stuff works well. Perhaps that’s why it’s so expensive.
Quick Beyond Raw Anabolic Sleep Review: Anabolic Sleep by GNC’s Beyond Raw brand is surprisingly well-made for a GNC off-brand. The bilayer tablets have a pleasant taste and go down easy, where one side quick-dissolves and the other is time released. Anabolic Sleep contains both fall-asleep now ingredients, as well as KSM-66 Ashwagandha for adaptogenic support. Overall, the stuff works well.
Quick Strengths: Ethical melatonin dosage, KSM-66 ashwagandha, tablets taste great, full 30 day supply.
Quick Weaknesses: Pretty expensive at $40 per bottle. Missing Magnesium.
How to take Anabolic Sleep: I’ve found that Anabolic Sleep is best taken literally as you go to bed. Like, after you silence your phone for the evening. If you take it too soon, and then end up staying awake for an hour or more on purpose – then you may miss the supplements release window. Ladies, start with 1 tablet – it should be effective for your low body weight. Men, start with 2 unless you are miniature.
Ingredients in Beyond Raw Anabolic Sleep
Immediate Release Sleep & Relaxation:
Levagen 300 mg – Levagen, is a trademarked form of palmitic acid, derived from palm oil. While palm oil is to be avoided as it is a saturated fat, there is some evidence suggesting it has benefits at lower dosages for atherosclerosis. We’re really not sure why it is in the formula. Since it is a fat, its likely part of the matrix holding this tablet together.
L-Theanine 200 mg – This is the classic relaxation compound. L-Theanine is the reason behind why green tea is less intense than coffee, likewise it is commonly added to caffeinated supplements for a more pleasurable experience.
KSM-66 Ashwagandha 200 mg – Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogen that is known for balancing out-of-whack hormones, stress reduction, and in certain applications, endurance. While its effects may not be immediately pronounced, it’s an herb that anyone missing sleep can benefit from long-term.
Sustained Release Anabolic Support:
More KSM-66 400 mg – As noted above.
GABA 100 mg – GABA is a powerful, calming neurotransmitter. Not something you want to take a ton of before drinking (or driving).
Melatonin 3 mg – This is the upper threshold of ‘ethical’ melatonin dosing. But, being time released, it is extremely effective. Melatonin is a hormone that your body naturally makes to help regulate your circadian rhythm.
Experience Taking GNC’s Anabolic Sleep
As I mentioned in the beginning of this review, I’ve tried everything available that doesn’t require a prescription. Of them all, Anabolic Sleep has been seriously consistent and reliable.
Other noteworthy sleep supplements I’ve tried have been:
ZMA Supplements – They work best for recovery, being rich in Zinc and Magnesium.
Sleep Teas – Not very effective for promoting sleep if you’re anxious. However if you’re already tired, sleep teas can be icing on the cake to knock you out.
RedCon1 Fade Out – This stuff is more of a party drug than a legit nightly supplement. It’s loaded out the butt with melatonin and phenibut… Too much. This not only left me groggy the next day, but made it nearly impossible to sleep without the stuff (due to the high melatonin). Later on, the phenibut took negative effects, as it’s the type of supplement that you go into withdrawal when you stop taking super-doses of it like Fade Out provides. Very disappointed in this brand.
Beyond Raw Anabolic Sleeps Effect on Muscle Growth
There aren’t exactly any “anabolic agents” in Anabolic Sleep. But it will make you sleep deeper which is essential for muscle growth. If you’re already sleeping like a baby though, then you’ll want to check out ZMA supplements for a night-time fix.
Final Verdict
Overall, the $40 price tag on Anabolic Sleep doesn’t faze me. I take it when I need it, and don’t when I don’t. It’s reasonably dosed so that I won’t become reliant on it, so I dig it.
Yes, there probably will be a better night-time supplement in the future, but for now – this is it.
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