Merica Labz is back to their roots. The brand that was built by the founding father himself Doug Miller has returned to their roots with the launch of their newest product Sleepy Joe. Sleepy Joe will be the brand's first sleep aid. It's pretty obvious the positioning that Merica Labz is taking with one and it reminds us a lof of their early beginnings.
This isn't the first time that Merica Labz has used "parody" in their products. The brand launched "Orange Man Bad" a pre-workout in early 2024. Merica Labz has also featured former presidents in their marketing campaigns in the past.
Although the joke is apparent with the marketing and the labels, the formula is not. Merica Labz consistently delivers quality formulas. Sleepy Joe will be one of their first products outside the pre-workout category in quite some time.
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Merica Labz Sleepy Joe Supplement Facts Panel
One thing that you will notice about Merica Labz, behind all the comedy and parody, are quality formulations put together with thought and intention. Sleepy Joe, a sleep aid, uses key ingredients that are meant to be used in unison to help you get to a deep REM state of sleep.
ZMA (Zinc Magnesium Asparatate) – 480mg
ZMA, also known as Zinc Magnesium Aspartate, is a very popular sleep aid/test boosting ingredient used for night time supplements. Although ZMA is not listed formally as an active, Sleepy Joe does contain 30mg of Zinc (as Zinc Monomethionine) and Magnesium Aspartate at 450mg. This is a sufficient dosage of ZMA to help with sleep.
L-Glycine – 3,000mg
Glycine is an amino acid that can possibly help with quality sleep. Some studies suggested that supplementing with Glycine not only improved the quality of sleep, but also helped those fall asleep faster.
Glycine may enhance sleep by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain. Glycine can increase the release of serotonin, which then converts to melatonin which will help you fall asleep faster and get a deeper sleep.
The dosage of 3,000mg is sufficient.
GABA – 1,500mg
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter in the brain known for its ability to aid in sleep quality. GABA works by reducing neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system. This means that GABA is essentially a natural tranquilizer as it can inhibit nerve transmissions in the brain, which will help promote relaxation and reduce stress.
GABA can help users feel a state of calmness which can reduce the amount of time it takes one to fall asleep as well as fewer night-time awakenings.
The dosage of 1,500mg is sufficient.
Inositol – 1,000mg
Inositol can help aid in sleep quality by promoting mood and cognition. Inositol may enhance the action of neurotransmitters like serotonin and acetylcholine, which are involved in regulating mood and sleep. Supporting serotonin and acetylcholine can reduce anxiety that may interfere with sleep.
For sleep improvement lower doses of Inositol are sufficient (1-2g).
L-Theanine – 200mg
Theanine is known as the “feel good” ingredient. Theanine can cause the body to relax without causing drowsiness. L-Theanine works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters such as GABA, dopamine, and serotonin. As previously mentioned, by increasing these levels it can promote a deeper state of sleep. Theanine can help regulate mood, stress and and axiety.
The dosage of 200mg is sufficient.
Valerian Root Extract – 200mg
Valerian Root Extract has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for promotion relaxation. Valerian Root Extract has sedation properties making it a good choice for a sleep aid. Valerian Root Extract may help increase levels of GABA which promotes a deeper state of relaxation and sleep.
Dosages can be up to 600mg prior to bed time. The 200mg dosage does fall within the acceptable range.
Shoden Ashwaganda – 120mg
Shoden Ashwagandha is a branded version of Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that aids the body in regulating external stressors (like stress and anxiety). Ashwagandha may reduce the levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Lower cortisol levels can lead to a calmer state, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
The 120mg dosage of Shoden is sufficient.
Senactiv – 50mg
Senactiv is from Nuliv Science. Senactiv is designed to promote cellular regeneration, support muscle health, and enhance overall physical performance. It may help in reducing muscle fatigue and improving recovery times after exercise. It is traditionally used in pre-workout and post-workout products. Sleepy Joe is marketed as a sleep aid and a muscle recovery product, so it makes sense to see it here.
The 50mg dosage is the right dosage.
Melatonin – 3mg
Melatonin may be the most popular sleep aid ingredient of all-time. Melatonin helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, signaling to the body that it is time to sleep. Melatonin can work with the body’s “internal clock” to signal when to fall asleep and when to wake up using external cues such light in the room.
The proper dosage of Melatonin may very on a per person basis, but a 1-5mg dosage is typical.
Melatonin may have some addictive tendencies. We don’t recommend taking a Melatonin product daily.
For their first attempt into the sleep aid category, Merica Labz does what Merica Labz does, a quality formula using key ingredients at optimal dosages.
Unlike many sleep aid flavors, Merica Labz decided to go a dessert-like route with Mint Chocolate Chip. This is, we believe, the first Mint Chocolate Chip sleep aid on the market.
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Final Takeaway on Merica Labz Sleepy Joe
I love the take on the current political climate - especially during an election year. Merica Labz is known for their quirky, yet fun marketing and product names, but also for their quality formulations. This one is one that many can benefit from, especially because we are so deprived of sleep as a poulation.
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