What is Pure Encapsulations Pure Sleep and who is it for?

Pure Sleep is a melatonin-free sleep support formula designed for individuals who struggle with sleep onset, staying asleep, or waking refreshed. Rather than relying on synthetic melatonin, this formula combines three clinically researched botanical ingredients—ashwagandha (KSM-66), saffron (affron®), and valerian root (Sleeproot)—each selected for their traditional use and modern research support in promoting restful sleep and healthy stress responses.

This product is ideal for practitioners’ patients who want natural sleep support without melatonin, those experiencing occasional sleeplessness, or individuals managing stress-related sleep disruption. It’s also suitable for those sensitive to melatonin or preferring to support sleep through adaptogenic and nervine herbs rather than hormone supplementation.

Why choose this specific approach or formulation?

Melatonin supplementation has become ubiquitous, yet it’s not ideal for everyone. Chronic melatonin use can suppress the body’s endogenous production, create dependency, or cause morning grogginess—the opposite of what patients want. Additionally, melatonin addresses only circadian signalling; it doesn’t address the underlying stress, anxiety, or nervous system dysregulation keeping patients awake.

Pure Sleep takes a different path. By combining adaptogenic herbs (ashwagandha), mood-supportive botanicals (saffron), and traditional nervine relaxants (valerian), it targets the root causes of poor sleep: elevated cortisol, racing thoughts, and nervous system hyperactivation. This multi-pathway approach is more aligned with Functional Medicine principles—supporting the body’s own mechanisms rather than bypassing them.

How does it work?

Think of sleep as a three-act play: Act 1 is “winding down” (nervous system shift from sympathetic to parasympathetic), Act 2 is “staying asleep” (maintaining deep sleep without micro-awakenings), and Act 3 is “waking refreshed” (completing full sleep cycles). Most single-ingredient sleep aids focus on one act. Pure Sleep supports all three through complementary botanical mechanisms.

Ashwagandha (KSM-66) – The Stress Resolver: Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps regulate cortisol and the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis—your body’s stress response system). When cortisol remains elevated into evening, sleep onset becomes difficult and sleep architecture fragments. KSM-66, a standardised extract shown in clinical trials to reduce cortisol and anxiety, helps “turn off” the stress response so the nervous system can shift into parasympathetic (rest) mode. This is Act 1 support.

Saffron (affron®) – The Mood Stabiliser: Saffron has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for mood and emotional balance. Modern research shows affron® saffron contains bioactive compounds (crocin and safranal) that influence serotonin and dopamine pathways. When mood is low or anxiety is present, sleep quality suffers; saffron helps stabilise these neurotransmitters, reducing the mental chatter that keeps people awake. This supports both Act 1 (easier wind-down) and Act 2 (fewer stress-induced micro-awakenings).

Valerian Root (Sleeproot) – The GABA Enhancer: Valerian root is a traditional European nervine herb that contains compounds supporting GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. GABA essentially “quiets” neural activity, allowing the brain to transition from wakefulness to sleep and maintain deeper sleep stages. Sleeproot is a standardised extract optimised for sleep support. This directly supports Acts 1 and 2—sleep onset and sleep maintenance—without the morning grogginess associated with melatonin or benzodiazepines.

What can this support?

This formula provides nutritional support for:

• Sleep onset difficulties: Individuals who lie awake for 30+ minutes despite fatigue, often due to racing thoughts or nervous system activation.
• Sleep maintenance: Those who fall asleep easily but wake multiple times during the night, particularly if stress or cortisol dysregulation is involved.
• Stress-related insomnia: Patients whose poor sleep is linked to anxiety, work stress, or life transitions. Ashwagandha and saffron directly address stress-sleep connections.
• Morning grogginess concerns: Individuals who’ve tried melatonin but experienced next-day drowsiness or “hangover” effects. This formula supports natural sleep without synthetic hormones.
• Occasional sleeplessness: Short-term sleep disruption from travel, schedule changes, or temporary stressors, where patients want natural support without dependency risk.
• Sleep quality optimisation: Health-conscious individuals or athletes seeking to enhance recovery and sleep architecture as part of a comprehensive wellness programme.
• Cortisol dysregulation: Patients with elevated evening cortisol (often detected via salivary cortisol testing) that interferes with sleep onset and depth.

Common Questions

Is this melatonin-free? Why does that matter?
Yes, Pure Sleep contains no melatonin. While melatonin is effective for circadian rhythm support, chronic use can suppress the body’s natural melatonin production, potentially creating dependency. Additionally, melatonin is a hormone, and some individuals (especially those with hormonal sensitivities) prefer botanical alternatives. This formula supports sleep through nervine and adaptogenic pathways instead.

How long does it take to work?
Valerian may provide noticeable support on the first night for some individuals, though optimal benefits typically develop over 1–2 weeks as ashwagandha and saffron accumulate in the system. Ashwagandha, in particular, shows dose-dependent effects over time, with cortisol reduction becoming more pronounced with consistent use.

Can I use this long-term?
Yes. Unlike melatonin or pharmaceutical sleep aids, the botanical ingredients in Pure Sleep are safe for extended use. Ashwagandha, saffron, and valerian have centuries of traditional use and strong safety profiles in clinical research. Many practitioners recommend this as a foundational sleep support during periods of stress or lifestyle transition.

Will I feel groggy in the morning?
Pure Sleep is formulated to support sleep without the residual sedation common with melatonin or pharmaceutical options. However, individual responses vary; some people may need to adjust timing (taking capsules earlier if waking groggy) or dosage.

Can I combine this with other supplements or medications?
Valerian and ashwagandha are generally well-tolerated, but interactions are possible with certain medications (particularly sedatives, antidepressants, or blood thinners). Patients should consult their healthcare practitioner before combining with prescription sleep aids or other medications.

What’s the difference between this and generic valerian or ashwagandha?
Pure Encapsulations uses standardised, clinically researched extracts: KSM-66 ashwagandha (tested for withanolide content and efficacy), affron® saffron (standardised for active compounds), and Sleeproot valerian (optimised for sleep support). These aren’t generic botanical powders; they’re pharmaceutical-grade extracts with published human trials supporting their use and dosing.

Key Features

• Melatonin-free formula: Supports sleep through adaptogenic and nervine pathways without synthetic hormones.
• Clinically studied extracts: KSM-66 ashwagandha, affron® saffron, and Sleeproot valerian—each with human trial evidence.
• Multi-pathway support: Addresses stress response (ashwagandha), mood and emotional balance (saffron), and neural quieting (valerian) for comprehensive sleep support.
• No morning grogginess: Formulated to support restful sleep without next-day sedation or dependency risk.
• Practitioner-grade quality: Pure Encapsulations’ rigorous testing, hypoallergenic formulation, and transparent labelling meet professional standards.
• Convenient capsule format: Easy dosing, 30–60 minutes before bed, with no taste or preparation required.
• Clean formula: Free from artificial additives, fillers, and unnecessary excipients.

Suggested Use

As a dietary supplement, take 2 capsules 30–60 minutes before bedtime. For optimal results, maintain consistent sleep and wake times, and support this formula with sleep hygiene practices such as limiting blue light exposure, maintaining a cool sleep environment, and managing daytime stress.

Ingredients (per serving size of 2 capsules)

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) (root) (KSM-66®) – 300 mg
• Saffron (Crocus sativus) (stigma) (affron®) – 28 mg
• Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) (root) (Sleeproot®) – 150 mg
• Other ingredients: Hypromellose (derived from cellulose) capsule, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide.

Allergen Information: This product is free from major allergens (gluten, dairy, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish, eggs). Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the TGA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or have a medical condition, consult your healthcare practitioner before use.