Home » Som Sleep Review: Does Its NSF Certified Approach Build Real Trust?

Som Sleep Review: Does Its NSF Certified Approach Build Real Trust?

Som Sleep Review

Som Sleep focuses on quality sleep, which fuels daily performance. It emphasizes that a good sleep routine supports daily energy by helping you wake restored and prepared for the day.

The brand’s formula features magnesium, vitamin B6, L-theanine, GABA, and melatonin, which may help calm the nervous system, balance mood, and signal the body to rest.

This review explores the brand’s origins, product offerings, ingredient philosophy, and market stance. It also evaluates real user experiences to outline the advantages and limitations that determine Som Sleep’s place in the evolving sleep and wellness industry.

About Som Sleep

Som Sleep is a wellness brand based in the United States, created by Abdul Khan, Christine Khan, and Justin Shegerian.

Som Sleep’s core formula, the Som Stack™, uses magnesium citrate, vitamin B6, L-theanine, GABA, and 3 mg of melatonin—nutrients present in the body or foods. These ingredients are intended to help calm the nervous system, support serotonin and melatonin production, and ease the transition to sleep without morning grogginess.

The brand’s product line includes powdered sleep drink mixes available in several flavors, such as Berry, Cherry, Tangerine, and Mango, as well as variety packs. All formulas are claimed to be vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, preservative-free, dairy-free, and contain no artificial flavors.

Som Sleep manufactures its products in the United States under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and uses third-party testing to ensure purity, safety, and consistency.

Som Sleep has established credibility within the sports and wellness community. The brand reports that its products are used by teams in the NBA, NFL, and MLB, and it is advised by a board of experts that includes Dr. Philip Goglia, Brandon McDaniel, and Jordan Mazur.

Som Sleep Review

Som Sleep Offerings

  1. Sleep Aid Powder Drink Mix

    Som Sleep Aid drink mix is positioned as a product that may help users fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. The brand states it is formulated to support biological systems that regulate rest by combining nutrients and calming compounds, influencing neurotransmission and hormone balance. According to the brand, the blend aims to support three physiological mechanisms: facilitating hormone production, soothing neural activity, and signaling the brain’s circadian rhythm to help initiate sleep.

    Magnesium, provided as magnesium citrate, may regulate nerve signaling and melatonin synthesis. It is shown in the studies that magnesium reduces excitability and promotes a calmer state before rest by balancing calcium and potassium flow across neurons.

    Vitamin B6, included as pyridoxine hydrochloride, is vital in neurotransmitter synthesis. It may work by converting the amino acid tryptophan into serotonin, which later becomes melatonin in the pineal gland. This biochemical chain is central to maintaining a stable sleep-wake rhythm.

    A proprietary blend in the mix combines L-theanine, GABA, and melatonin. L-theanine is an amino acid that crosses the blood-brain barrier to increase calming neurotransmitter levels such as GABA, serotonin, and dopamine. It also encourages alpha brain wave activity, a relaxed yet alert state that typically precedes sleep. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) serves as the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, binding to receptors that slow neuron firing and reduce overstimulation from excitatory chemicals like glutamate.

    Melatonin acts as the body’s internal sleep signal. Produced by the pineal gland at night, it binds to receptors in the brain that may help regulate the circadian rhythm, helping synchronize the timing of sleep onset. To use, the maker suggests mixing one stick with water and drinking it about 30 minutes before bedtime.

  2. Drink Mix Variety Packs

    The Drink Mix Variety Pack contains three versions of the same sleep-supporting formula made to support your sleep routine. As per the official site, each 10-gram stick provides 10 calories and no added sugar. It is sweetened with erythritol, monk fruit extract, and stevia leaf extract. Its 10-gram serving includes magnesium citrate, vitamin B6 as pyridoxine hydrochloride, and a proprietary blend containing L-theanine, GABA, and 3mg of melatonin. These ingredients work together and may promote relaxation, aid in a healthy sleep cycle, and establish a restful sleep routine.

    The Variety Pack includes 30 single-serving sticks and features three flavor options, including Cherry, Berry, and Tangerine. Other versions of the variety pack are also available, including one that contains two flavors, berry and cherry, and another that offers four flavor options, such as berry, cherry, mango, and tangerine.

Som Sleep Advantages

  1. NSF Certified Brand

    Som Sleep’s NSF Certified for Sport designation highlights that the brand maintains quality, safety, and compliance with recognized sports standards. This certification applies to Som Sleep drink mixes, confirming that each product is free from more than 280 banned substances listed by major organizations. The certification process includes comprehensive third-party testing, toxicological review, and facility audits to ensure accuracy in labeling, ingredient safety, and manufacturing consistency. This certification provides confidence that the brand delivers verified ingredients like magnesium, vitamin B6, L-theanine, GABA, and melatonin, without contaminants or unapproved compounds. Every batch is independently tested to confirm compliance and ingredient integrity, reducing the risk of hidden additives or banned substances.

  2. Supported by Professional Athletes

    Som Sleep has earned a strong presence in professional sports, with its sleep drink used by more than 100 teams across the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL. This broad adoption highlights its role in supporting recovery and rest among high-performance athletes who rely on consistent sleep for optimal performance.

    One of the earliest public supporters of the brand was Trey Lyles, NBA forward, who noted that using the drink as part of his nightly routine helped him fall asleep more easily and maintain steadier sleep patterns during a demanding travel schedule. His experience reflected its usefulness in managing fatigue, maintaining focus, and supporting recovery throughout the season.

    The brand’s credibility is further reinforced by collaborations with sports professionals such as Brandon McDaniel, who is the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and has emphasized the importance of sleep optimization in athletic performance. His association with this brand underscores its acceptance among performance and recovery specialists who design player wellness programs.

    Som Sleep also highlights being included in the recovery routines of teams like the New York Yankees, Golden State Warriors, and Miami Dolphins, where it is used to support nighttime recovery and overall rest quality. These professional associations demonstrate how the brand is trusted across major sports organizations as part of structured approaches to recovery and performance readiness.

  3. Gluten-Free & Vegan Brand Positioning

    As per its official site, Som Sleep claims to be a gluten-free and vegan-friendly brand. Its formulations are made without gluten, animal-derived ingredients, or artificial additives, making them potentially suitable for vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-sensitive diets.

    The brand claims that its sleep beverage is 100% plant-based, with no use of gelatin, dairy proteins, or other common animal-based binding agents found in some supplement drinks. Instead, it utilizes ingredients such as magnesium, L-theanine, and melatonin, all derived from non-animal sources.

    Som Sleep also highlights a gluten-free certification, which ensures that it meets strict manufacturing and ingredient sourcing standards. The drink is formulated and bottled in facilities that adhere to allergen-control protocols to prevent cross-contamination.

Som Sleep Limitation

  1. Minimal Product Variety

    Som Sleep maintains a focused product portfolio that centers mainly on its signature Som Sleep Zero Sugar drink formulas. They are powdered or canned sleep support options that are said to promote relaxation and restful sleep. Beyond these options, the brand offers variations only in flavor, including Berry, Cherry, Mango, and Tangerine, and package sizes such as 12-pack and 24-pack cases.
    The brand has not expanded into broader sleep or wellness categories such as capsules, gummies, or ready-to-mix powders with additional benefits like stress relief or recovery support. The absence of diverse product forms limits the brand’s appeal. The line does not currently include specialized versions tailored to different needs, such as extra strength formulas, caffeine-free daytime relaxers, or formulations suitable for children or sensitive users.

Pros & Cons

  1. Pros

    • The brand focuses on sleep support through nutrition.
    • Ingredient amounts are publicly listed.
    • Manufacturing follows NSF Certified for Sport and GMP standards.
    • All products meet clean-label criteria: vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and without preservatives or artificial flavors.
    • The company produces and tests its formulas in the United States.
  2. Cons

    • The product range remains limited to powdered drink mixes, and no alternate formats exist.
    • The brand has not published independent or peer-reviewed studies on its finished formulations.

How Did We Evaluate?

  1. Real User Reviews

    While evaluating user experiences for Som Sleep, we looked for what users shared on Amazon regarding its offerings. Customer feedback for Som Sleep Powder is generally positive across its product range. The original formula holds an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, which is from 400+ global reviews, while its cherry mix version has a rating of 4.2 out of 5, which is from 370+ reviews. Most users shared favorable experiences showing strong satisfaction with how well the product works, how it tastes, and how easy it is to use.

    On Amazon, the most frequently mentioned experiences in reviews include sleep quality, taste, effectiveness, travel convenience, value for money, and mixing or dissolution. Many users say the powder helps them fall asleep and improves their deep sleep, helping them wake up refreshed. The single-serve stick packs receive high praise for being portable and convenient, especially for travelers or those who prefer not to take pills. Reviewers often describe the powder as quick-dissolving, creating a light, water-like consistency rather than a thick drink. The flavor, especially cherry and berry, is described as pleasant, mild, and not overly sweet.

    Negative feedback appears in smaller but consistent patterns. Some users report the product stops working after several consecutive nights, suggesting possible tolerance or reduced effect over time. Others say they noticed no improvement in sleep or experienced mild side effects such as headaches or restlessness.

    A few users mention issues with dissolving (powder not mixing evenly) or texture differences compared to other drink mixes. Packaging complaints include packets that are difficult to tear open without scissors. Opinions on value and price vary. Some believe the product’s quality and convenience justify the cost, while others feel it’s expensive for a flavored melatonin drink.

    Som Sleep Powder receives mostly positive feedback for its quick sleep support, mild taste, and travel-friendly format. Results can vary, and it seems most helpful for occasional use rather than nightly reliance.

  2. Brand Reputation

    Som Sleep’s brand reputation reflects a balance of positive consumer feedback and limited third-party visibility. The company focuses on functional formulations made using magnesium, vitamin B6, GABA, L-theanine, and melatonin.

    On Tenereteam, the brand currently holds an average rating of 4.0 out of 5. Most reviewers report improved sleep quality and reduced morning fatigue, while some express dissatisfaction with the limited product variety. At the same time, the brand lacks verified profiles or listings on Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau. This indicates that Som Sleep is a credible yet niche player in the sleep support market. While consumer feedback on Tenereteam is mainly favorable, the brand’s limited presence across broader review platforms indicates modest reach and visibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Does Som Sleep undergo flavor or stability testing?

    The brand highlights ingredient transparency, taste, and GMP-based quality testing but provides no details on formal flavor panels or stability studies. Claims like NSF Certification for Sport focus on safety and purity, not flavor validation.

  2. Can Som Sleep be combined with adaptogens like ashwagandha?

    Combining the brand’s drink mixes with ashwagandha may enhance relaxation but increase drowsiness. It contains melatonin, GABA, and L-theanine, while ashwagandha reduces stress. Use cautiously, especially with sedating medications, and consult your doctor to avoid excessive sedation or interactions.

  3. Does Som Sleep provide usage guidance for body weight or sensitivity differences?

    The brand includes 3mg of melatonin, a standard amount shown to aid sleep without grogginess. However, it doesn’t customize usage by weight or sensitivity, so you should start lower (0.5–1mg) and adjust under medical guidance.

Final Words

Som Sleep claims to support better sleep through nutrition. The company uses well-known ingredients such as magnesium citrate, L-theanine, GABA, melatonin, and vitamin B6, all listed openly on its products' packaging. It claims to follow strict quality standards and holds NSF Certified for Sport status, which means its drink mixes meet testing requirements trusted by athletes and clean-label consumers.

However, Som Sleep’s scope is limited. You’ll find only powdered drink mixes, with no capsules, gummies, or ready-to-drink options. The brand hasn’t released independent research confirming how its complete formula performs. It doesn’t share much about ingredient sourcing, sustainability goals, or educational outreach, which makes the brand feel careful but not especially forward-looking.

Som Sleep’s offerings may fit best as a supportive part of a larger sleep routine, not as a standalone fix. You can use them to complement consistent bedtimes, reduced evening caffeine, and other healthy habits that influence sleep quality. The brand’s strength lies in its precise formulation, but lasting sleep support will always depend more on behavior, environment, and professional guidance than on any single supplement.

 

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This project was supported in part by NSF Grant IIS-03-25867 (ITR: An Electronic Field Guide: Plant Exploration and Discovery in the 21st Century) and by the Washington Biologists' Field Club.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views, opinions, or policy of the National Science Foundation (NSF).