Sleep Hacks

Underslept? It happens to even the best Biohackers sometimes -- fortunately, there are some effective hacks for operating at almost 100% while sleep-deprived.

The obvious solution to get better sleep: do meditation and go to bed earlier, avoid screens before bed, wear blue-blocking glasses, take magnesium or melatonin before bed - stuff you've no doubt heard of before. But sometimes even the best sleep hacker finds themselves sleep-deprived. I'm no stranger to it myself as I've been a salsa-dancing pickup artist, a digital nomad, an obsessive entrepreneur, and now - a brand new dad!

Another historical Nootropic and a member of the Adaptogen family of natural performance enhancers that empower Biohackers to live vigorously.

Organic Ashwagandha, as a Nootropic, helps with anxiety, insomnia, and aging signs, and as an adaptogen to manage stress.

Biohacker Review: An Herbal Alternative to Melatonin

Ashwagandha is the anxiolytic Adaptogen; all of the Adaptogens make your body better at handling stress, but Ashwagandha is probably the best. If you have a problem with stress or anxiety, Ashwagandha is for you! I've been using this Ashwagandha from Organic India for about 2 months now. This is a review of my subjective experiences with Ashwagandha...

Biohacker Review: Tinctured Ashwagandha for Tranquility

This is an alcohol tincture infused with the active components of Ashwagandha. A dropperful, which is a squeeze of the dropper, produces a relaxed but not necessarily drowsy headspace.

From How to Be Cross Eyed: Thriving Despite Your Physical Imperfection — a mémoire and lifehacking manifesto

When it comes to optimizing health, happiness, and overallhuman performance (there’s a very in-vogue phrase that will make you sound cool at cocktail parties) there are a lot of low-hanging fruit options which these chapters will explore. They might not be cutting-edge technology with cool names and acronyms BUT they still make a big difference in the mental horsepower that you can bring to bear.

If you’re wary of using Nootropics you’re going to want to implement all of these. I’ll discuss the pros vs cons, evidence, usage, and cost of these empowering lifestyle biohacks.

Biohacker Review: Tranquilizing and Super-Antioxidizing!

I received my package of C60/hemp oil extract. This was the first time I had tried a CBD product. It comes in a laboratory-grade, tinted glass bottle. I took about a half tablespoon of the stuff, it tastes not bad like the other C60 olive oil solution I tried.

I noticed a subtle, anxiolytic effect within just a few minutes of dosing. I did it in the evening and read for about an hour, feeling very relaxed but I actually did not sleep well that night. This is probably because I listened to a very disturbing podcast while I was laying in bed (probably not the best habit) that kept me up for about an hour and then my thoughts were racing.

Buckminster Fullerenes are sixty carbon atoms indestructibly arrayed in a soccer ball shape that holds the promise of increasing longevity by up to 90%.

It's often referred to affectionately as buckyballs,but for the sake of brevity, I'll refer to it from here on asC60.

Biohacker Review: My secret post-workout weapon for awesome sleep

Recently, I've been sleeping better than ever thanks to this post-bedtime cocktail; A tea consisting of Ashwaghanda, Camomile, Apple Cider Vinegar, magnesium, and crucially CBD. 20 milligrams of CBD (one capsule) quiets my racing mind and allows me to get to sleep typically within about 10 minutes of laying my head down on the pillow. I awake usually before my alarm goes off feeling ready to take on the day, not groggy and dragging as I might be after taking Melatonin.

CBD is supposed to help with pain, which I tested when I had to get a small, yet painful dental operation, done. I did 4 capsules of CBD (80 milligrams) before going to the dentist, unfortunately, it didn't do much to make the operation less painful. I do find that after a grueling gym session, CBD assuages the soreness of my muscles. After a gym day, it's especially important to get great sleep.

While two CBD capsules (40 milligrams) will knock me right out when the lights go out, a single CBD capsule just takes the edge off a little. I'm about 30 days into an intermittent no booze period and I'll often take a capsule of CBD in place of a glass of wine over dinner. A single capsule of CBD taken before a date night or social engagement puts me in a bit more relaxed, talkative and sociable mood.

Although I don't use CBD daily, I use it frequently and I have not noticed a tolerance curve nor does it seem to be habit-forming.

All CBD is not created equal, at this point I've tried three CBD products and this is the best. I'd recommend it to anyone in the EU or Europe who wants to get some great restorative sleep.

Biohack Review:

In the early months of 2023, I had some challenges sleeping through the night - I found myself waking up entirely too early and struggling to get back to sleep. Which was very annoying and hampered my capacity to do great writing. Then I remembered that I'd gotten Clif High's Pure Sleep Generation 2 from PureBulk.com and tried it. I'd mixed a powdered spoonful of the stuff in a glass of goat milk that I downed before bed, it tastes not great, but not awful! And I have been sleeping a little better; waking at 7:00 AM instead of 5:45 AM - that's an improvement!

However, it's not as consistent in delivering rejuvenating sleep as I'd like, I did a scoop and a half once and still woke up prematurely - although that might have something to do with the few drinks I'd had for the Bulgarian holiday we were celebrating. Supplementing 10 milligrams of extended-release Melatonin seems at least as effective in atoning for my indulging in a glass or two of red wine in the evenings.

Clif High's PureSleep is a proprietary blend of ingredients created to promote restorative sleep. This non-habit-forming sleep aid is gentle with no hang-over effects the following day. The formula promotes digestive well-being and facilitates a smooth entry to sleep. Waking fresh and energized for the day ahead with every use, the Pure Sleep formula will not build up in the system nor affect daytime performance.

Last weekend I did an in-depth consultation with a Canadian guy with a serious lifestyle issue that most people don’t take very seriously. I think we came up with a really good multi-vector biohacking strategy to address his issue, perhaps you have the same issue. Namely, bad quality and insufficient quantity of sleep.

Here’s the thing that frustrated the Canadian guy, he was following a lot of mainstream sleep hacking advice…

Biohacker Review: Takes the edge off

Lately, two capsules of Just Relax have been taking the edge off for me in the evenings. I'm in the midst of a day 90 break from booze so I sometimes need a little pharmacological help unwinding after a long day of work. I find that two to three capsules put me in a very relaxed state without knocking me out so I can enjoy a book in the mid-evening.

I'm a big fan of taking this kind of stack a few hours before bed, as it helps me wind down so I fall right asleep, slumber deeply, and arise the next morning feeling awesome. I do recommend it in combination with NeuroActive's Deep Sleep, which will knock you right out when the time comes.

I've been getting some seriously solid sleep lately by actually using NeuroActive's anxiolytic stacks with some biohacking tech.

The most praised quality of L-Theanine is that it delivers relaxation without sedation.

It is popular amongst Biohackers because it takes the edge off or tranquilizes some of the intense sensations resulting from stimulating Nootropics; this results in a neurotransmitter cocktail fine-tuned for a kickass day, which is why it's a key ingredient in many Nootropic Stacks.

Biohacker Review: Sedation in a tasty solution!

Recently, I've been taking two teaspoons of this velvety sedating solution before bed with my wife. And, this is one supplement that you "feel" - it, no doubt, has a relaxing effect. I get to sleep consistently within 10 minutes after lights out in the Roseland bed chamber. My wife falls asleep even faster, and often, I make it less than a minute into this bedtime story that I'm coming up with before she nods off.

When I do an intermittent period of no booze, I like to have something to take the edge off at dinner. Often, I'll sip a Phenibut infoceutical, but a few teaspoons mixed in a glass of water also work.

Biohack Review: The marvels of magnesium are myriad!

Magnesium Breakthrough is my favorite supplement from BiOptimizers; this contains seven different forms of Magnesium...
Bisglycinate
Chelate
Citrate
Malate
Orotate
Sucrosomial
Taurate

I'll tell you some about my experiences with it and break down some of the recent science on these seven forms.

Biohacker Review: My secret weapon for AMAZING sleep...

I've been using Focus Supplements' Magnesium for some time now. I've been getting some seriously awesome sleep thanks to Magnesium. Sleep quality really matters to everything, a night of mediocre sleep has a high cost in the next day's productivity. In the past, I've struggled with insomnia, but now I sleep better than ever thanks to this pre-bedtime stack...

• Ashwagandha (2 - 3 grams), Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar tea
• CBD (10 - 20 milligrams)
• Magnesium (powdered or capsuled)

Biohacker Review: the Mercedes-Benz of Magnesium

Personally, given the option, I reach for the Mercedes-Benz of Magnesium, Magnesium L-Threonate. It's more bioavailable and has greater benefits to cognition but it first caught my attention for a really silly reason...

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a neurohormone released from the pineal gland and known for regulating sleep. Melatonin is made from serotonin which is derived from L-tryptophan. The body uses melatonin for sleep by normalizing sleep patterns and regulating the circadian rhythm. Melatonin is regulated by sunlight so melatonin levels typically rise throughout the evening and stay elevated during the night allowing a person to sleep. Additionally, light suppresses the synthesis of melatonin so levels will drop drastically in the morning or when someone is exposed to light which allows a person to wake up.

Melatonin Benefits and Uses

While Melatonin is naturally produced, irregular sleep patterns can be developed over time. Melatonin supplementation is commonly used for sleep support and may help regulate sleeping habits.

Is Melatonin Considered a Nootropic?

Because Melatonin helps regulate sleep patterns (thus allowing for better sleep), it is suggested that it may also support a positive mood.

What Does Melatonin Do?

People typically use melatonin to support a healthy night’s sleep. Studies observing melatonin found that it is effective for reducing the amount of time it takes to fall asleep. However, this does not translate directly to sleep quality or REM sleep.

How Much Melatonin Should I Take?

As a dietary supplement, take one 300mcg Melatonin capsule daily.

While it is common to see doses of melatonin at 3mg ,5mg, or 10mg increments, the concept of “more is better” does not always hold true for melatonin dosing. In fact, melatonin is usually more effective in lower doses for most people.

A study on subjects who had trouble sleeping showed that Melatonin dosage of 300mcg was more effective than 3mg. A comparative study on melatonin dosage between 500mcg and 20mg in blind subjects revealed that 500mcg was more effective at regulating circadian rhythm than 20mg. Moreover, this was re-trialed later by comparing 10mg to 20mg and results found that 10mg was still more effective than 20mg but was insignificantly different from a 500mcg dose.

How Much Melatonin Is Too Much?

Too much melatonin may actually disturb your sleep-wake cycle and may cause unwanted effects. Some people are more sensitive to melatonin than others so doses that trigger unwanted effects may vary from person to person. In general, it is a good practice to start with a low dose and gradually increase over time until the desired effects are achieved. A dose from a Melatonin supplement that is too high may make you feel groggy during the day or create nightmares. An adult typically starts with a .3mg (300mcg) dose.

If the starting Melatonin dose is tolerated well but not effective, then the person can slowly increase their Melatonin dosage until desired results are achieved.

How To Take Melatonin

A melatonin supplement can be taken orally.

It is a good rule of thumb to take a Melatonin supplement about 30 minutes before bed to experience its beneficial effects on sleep.

Where to get Melatonin Capsules?

Nootropics Depot offers a 120 count jar of high quality Melatonin capsules in a 300mcg dosage. Nootroopics Depot’s Melatonin has been lab-tested and verified for both product purity and identity.

With Omega CBD™ and Dream CBD™, you're getting the two best formulas for full-spectrum relief and sleep.

OMEGA CBD helps alleviate daily stress, soothes aches and pains, and keeps you calm, cool, and collected. While DREAM CBD will help you fall asleep quickly, stay asleep all night, and get deep, restorative rest.
Two cutting-edge CBD formulas work in synergy to produce OMEGA CBD and DREAM CBD's unparalleled effects.

This is a Russian drug that helped cosmonauts stay cool under pressure in life-or-death situations in zero gravity. It's a powerful anxiolytic that zaps anxiety and stress.

It's a higher risk, yet higher reward Biohack that's not for everyone.

Biohacker Review: A tangy Gabaergic that makes you frivolously frisky

Phenibut is an ideal social smart drug for 2014 Jonathan, but I'm not sure if it would have been for 2008 Jonathan...

Now I'm very mindful, especially in social interactions; I've trained with technology likeDual N-Back and theemWave2 to be verypresent. I've spent the majority of this year completely sober, see my article about partying sober for +6 months inSouth America's #1 vice city. Five or six years ago was a different story, I drank quite a bit (my cocktail of choice wasPatron Red Bull), smoked cigarettes, and used recreational drugs from time to time - I was youraverage intoxicated douchebag. Phenibut has a pretty subtle effect, you would have to do a lot to get something resembling the mindset you get from alcohol or MDMA. If I had done it 5 years ago, I don't think it would have satisfied myhedonic set point, I would have probably been pretty bored with it. Now it's awesome though, it gives me an extra boost of social confidence free of intoxication.