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    Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.

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  • Nutrition-wise blog

  • March 6, 2010

    Relaxation drinks: Does calm come in a can?

    By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.

15 comments posted

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Ever tried a warm glass of milk at bedtime to help you sleep? What about coffee to get you going in the morning? Or an energy drink for a boost in the afternoon? How about a drink to help you unwind after a stressful day? No, I don't mean beer or wine.

I'm talking about "relaxation drinks," a new line of beverages that claim to help you chill out. Relaxation drinks contain ingredients such as theanine and melatonin, which are purported to reduce anxiety or induce sleep. These two ingredients are "generally considered as safe" by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, the FDA doesn't strictly regulate dietary supplements like these, which is why you should always talk with your doctor before trying any supplement. (And children and women who are pregnant or nursing probably shouldn't partake of relaxation drinks.)

Have our bodies gotten so out of sync that we can't stay awake, fall asleep or even relax without a chemical or herbal aid? Have you tried these relaxation drinks? Did you find them to be beneficial? Or do you eschew energy and relaxation drinks and similar beverages? What do you do instead to rev up or wind down?

15 comments posted

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  • April 2, 2013 5:59 a.m.

    How to relax and remain calm. The vast majiroty of people are a bundle of nerves. Remain and attain calm by intentional and deliberate control of your breathing. Inhale slow and steady. When fully inhaled, hold it for about 4 seconds. Then just relax every respiratory muscle and let it out on its own. Do this 4 times or as many as you want. Do this throughout the day as the need arises. A cool thinking person is much more pleasant and effective in their daily life.

    - Andrey

  • September 25, 2012 11:56 p.m.

    My dh has used CALM which was very helpful for sleep but the magnesium gave him diarrhea that would wake him later! Chamomile gives a friend of mine stomach cramps, which is paradoxical. My doctor said melatonin really works, but because of biofeedback, it tends to give a person rebound insomnia because the body thinks it has made too much when supplements are taken... Fresh air and exercise (walking the dog) when the weather is mild really helps more than drinks but nothing beats a hot herbal tea on a cold night!

    - Cindy

  • August 18, 2012 2:26 p.m.

    I use Koma Unwind for times when my mind just doesn't turn off. It relaxes me and I get a good night's sleep with out the "hung over" feeling I get from over the counter sleep aid tablets. It is non-alcoholic and non-narcotic so should I have to drive or deal with an emergency, I feel confident that I could do so. Also, the can states to drink before retiring and one per day.

    - Sue

  • August 17, 2012 11:14 a.m.

    KOMA Unwind is my favorite relaxation drink. I have a very high-paced job that keeps me running all day, like most of us, and at night if left to my own devices I would be up till the wee hours of the morning working via the computer. KOMA helps me to relax and let go of work and spend time with my kids. This stuff is awesome!!

    - Cory

  • August 7, 2012 2:47 p.m.

    I love these types of drinks. I am nurse and I work 12 hour grave yard shifts and it is difficult relax. Out of all the relaxation drinks I have tried, I like LANILAI Relaxation Drink the best for the taste and effectiveness

    - Ashley

  • March 12, 2012 9:32 a.m.

    I love these drinks and swear by them, I am a person who genuinely doesn't like having to take an anti-depressant just to calm down. I have horrible anxiety issues and my mind races insanely at night. These drinks help keep me from turning to sleeping pills every night just to get to sleep.

    - Devon

  • February 1, 2011 9:26 p.m.

    It's interesting to me, as people have been "living better through chemistry" since before modern civilization. As someone who has dabbled with both coffee and energy drinks, and eschewed all forms of illicit drugs, I tried a couple of the relaxation beverages sld at That Computer Store, our local gaming center. They work very well, and after some small bit of research it seems the active ingredients are the same or similar to ingredients used in "Sleepy time" teas, etc. for years. While I am concerned about the long term effects of these substances, these drinks have been great for me when my mind is overactive and I haev an early morning meeting. I do, however, suggest parents be aware of what their children are imbibing. The folks at That Computer Store took great care to warn me not to let small children drink them, much like energy drinks, and I appreciate their concern.

    - Tony

  • September 23, 2010 4:55 p.m.

    Warning: Be very careful abt chamomile tea, etc (Comes from daisies) It can kill. Teemporarily stopped my lungs from breathing (anaphalactic?). Has been known to kill (i.e., permanent sleep).

    - C K

  • July 26, 2010 8:14 a.m.

    KOMA UNWIND relaxation drink has some of these over the counter supplements, Man this drink works, Sleep better than ever, Calms the kids after dinner , ( they get up for school better) We love it......

    - Jeb

  • April 7, 2010 5:04 p.m.

    Melatonin is a hormone which is naturally released in the evening. It helps to regulate your circadian rhythm. Taking it during the daytime to "chill out" could be bad for your body and it could mess up your body's natural clock. I am a pharmacist and I am very surprised that they are allowing this in a drink. The people who seem most attracted to these types of products are teenagers who should not be taking this. (Just like the caffeine "energy drinks" so many overuse.)

    - Erin

  • March 10, 2010 11:16 a.m.

    I don't see any reference to the most effective way to serenity, sound sleep or any other problem and for me, Walking does it all. I read in a walking book: "Solvitur Ambulandi" which means, The Problem can be solved by Walking. Try it. It is wonderful.

    - Rose

  • March 10, 2010 9:25 a.m.

    My husband and I have been drinking a cup of chamomile tea at night and have found be get a more restful sleep. also after using muscles you haven't used in a while weren't so sore the next morning. If we miss a night or 2 my husbasnd can really tell a difference with his restless leg syndrome.

    - Kim

  • March 9, 2010 4:25 p.m.

    I had never heard of this before. Sounds like a gimmick to me, but many gimmicks have made millions of dollars over the past few years. I believe the comment in the article "talk to your doctor" before trying this stuff is a cop out. Doctors that I know typically know little about food and drink supplements.

    - Peter

  • March 8, 2010 8:52 p.m.

    I think your article on Relaxation drinks was interesting since they are the new thing. But, I think you need to be aware that not ALL relaxation drinks contain the chemicals you stated and still "relax," you. For example, Mini Chill, doesn't contain Melatonin.

    - James

  • March 8, 2010 7:44 a.m.

    Green Tea or Mate in the morning is plenty of caffeine for me. Though I honestly don't notice the lack of it on mornings where I miss out. I really just like having something hot to drink. Sometimes ginger, lemongrass, or roobois root based tea in the evening.

    - Adam

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