Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic processes in the human body — and sleep is deeply dependent on many of them. Magnesium binds to GABA receptors, activating the inhibitory neurotransmitter that quiets neural activity before sleep. It also regulates melatonin production and reduces cortisol. Bisglycinate is the most bioavailable form — bound to glycine, which has its own calming effect on the central nervous system. At 800mg (delivering 100mg elemental magnesium), the dose in 8hours Sleep is clinical rather than token.

L-theanine is the amino acid responsible for the calm alertness associated with green tea. It increases alpha brain wave activity — the same pattern seen in meditation — and modulates GABA, serotonin, and dopamine. In sleep contexts, it reduces pre-sleep arousal: the racing thoughts, the heightened awareness, the inability to switch off even when you're tired. Unlike sedatives, L-theanine doesn't induce sleep — it removes the barriers to it. Studies show improvements in sleep quality, sleep efficiency, and morning alertness without grogginess.

Apigenin is a bioflavonoid found in chamomile, parsley, and celery. It acts as a benzodiazepine receptor agonist — binding to GABA-A receptors to promote sedation, reduce anxiety, and lower core body temperature. Unlike benzodiazepines, it's non-habit-forming and doesn't suppress REM sleep. At 200mg, 8hours Sleep uses a meaningful dose of one of the most evidence-based sleep supplements available.

Myo-inositol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that plays a key role in serotonin signalling and cell membrane function. In sleep research, it's been studied primarily for its effects on sleep maintenance and anxiety — particularly middle-of-the-night waking. It supports the serotonin-melatonin pathway, helping sustain sleep across the full night rather than just improving sleep onset. For people who fall asleep fine but wake at 3am, inositol may be the missing piece.

Tart cherry is one of the few natural dietary sources of melatonin. Studies show that tart cherry supplementation increases melatonin levels, extends sleep time, and improves sleep efficiency. Bioperine (black pepper extract, standardised to piperine) is included not for sleep directly, but for bioavailability — it enhances the absorption of the other active ingredients, meaning you get more from every dose. It's the ingredient that makes everything else work harder.

All five of these ingredients are in 8hours Sleep — at doses that matter. Not proprietary blend minimums designed to get them on the label. Actual clinical-range doses. Magnesium 800mg. L-theanine 200mg. Apigenin 200mg. Myo-inositol 200mg. Tart cherry 200mg. Bioperine 200mg. Six ingredients. One pouch. Every night.