Glycine vs Melatonin: Which Works Better for Deeper Sleep?

When it comes to natural sleep aids, glycine and melatonin are two of the most talked-about ingredients—but they work in very different ways. If you're trying to fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling refreshed, it's crucial to know which one fits your needs best.

What Is Glycine?

Glycine is a naturally occurring amino acid that helps regulate your nervous system and body temperature—two major factors in restful sleep.

• Helps You Fall Asleep Faster: Glycine lowers your core body temperature, which signals to your brain that it’s time to sleep.
• Supports Deep Sleep: It improves sleep quality and helps you stay in restorative stages longer.
• No Hormonal Disruption: Since glycine isn’t a hormone, it won’t interfere with your body’s natural rhythms.

What Is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone your brain naturally produces to regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Supplements can help in the short term, but they come with caveats.

• Resets Your Sleep Schedule: Ideal for jet lag, night shift work, or circadian rhythm issues.
• Short-Term Use Only: Long-term use may suppress natural melatonin production and disrupt hormonal balance.
• Side Effects: Users often report vivid dreams, grogginess, or hormonal irregularities.

Glycine vs Melatonin: Quick Comparison

Feature	Glycine	Melatonin
Best For	Staying asleep, sleep quality	Falling asleep, jet lag
Safe for Long-Term Use	Yes	No
Side Effects	None reported	Grogginess, vivid dreams
Hormonal Impact	None	Yes

So, Which One Should You Choose?

Our Take: Glycine is ideal for long-term use, especially when combined with other calming ingredients like magnesium glycinate and L-theanine—like we’ve done in Sleepy Vibes.

How to Use Glycine for Better Sleep

• Take 3g (3,000mg) of glycine about 30–60 minutes before bed
• Can be taken as a powder or capsule
• For enhanced effect, combine it with magnesium glycinate and L-theanine

Related Articles:

To dive deeper into natural sleep solutions, check out these:

• Magnesium Glycinate: Your Natural Sleep Ally
• L-Theanine Nature's Calm and Sleep Booster
• Melatonin Benefits, Risks, and Alternatives for Better Sleep