Here's what the latest studies conducted with RealFood collagen show about sleep and cognitive function
The one factor that underpins all our daily activities, as well as our well-being and immunity, is undoubtedly sleep. A fast-paced lifestyle, constant stress, and poor diet often lead to problems falling asleep and to poor rest quality, and without quality nighttime sleep it would be unthinkable to be in optimal health.
A lack of it can lead to problems with concentration, low energy levels during the day, and even health complications such as for example an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In the third and final article in our series on the scientific findings about our collagen, we'll tell you how daily (or evening) intake of RealFood Hydrolyzed Collagen can be the key to calmer, deeper sleep.
What do we know so far about the link between collagen and sleep quality?
Collagen is a key protein in the human body, responsible for skin hydration, joint and bone strength, muscle fiber elasticity, and much more. But a less well-known fact is that collagen actually plays a very important role in quality sleep too. It contains essential amino acids directly linked to relaxation.
Previous research indicates that intake of certain amino acids such as glycine and proline can improve nighttime sleep, reduce awakenings, and lead to better cognitive function and more energy during the day. New studies with RealFood collagen confirm these benefits and provide an even more detailed picture, with specific, in-depth data.
What do the latest scientific findings with RealFood collagen show?
Over the past few decades, dietary supplements specifically formulated for better sleep quality have grown increasingly popular. This need has arisen because of high stress levels, constant screen time, which irritates the sensitivity of the nervous system and the eyes, as well as insufficient intake of important vitamins and minerals.
The most recent clinical study of our collagen, carried out specifically to demonstrate its effects on sleep, gives the full picture - and it was conducted on people with a particularly demanding, active daily life: athletes.
- The role of the secret ingredient for good sleep - glycine
Glycine is an amino acid that plays a key role in relaxing the nervous system. It is also the amino acid with the highest presence in our hydrolyzed collagen - a full 2.06 g per 10 g (the recommended daily dose). This amino acid is known to act as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain - meaning it helps reduce anxiety and stress, relaxing the nerves and making it easier to fall asleep.
According to the study, taking 15 g of hydrolyzed collagen before bed significantly raises glycine levels in the body, leading to falling asleep faster at night. As a result, study participants reported feeling better rested in the morning, without any sense of residual sleepiness during the day.
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Proven fewer nighttime awakenings and more hours of quality sleep
According to the study, people who take hydrolyzed collagen daily significantly reduce nighttime awakenings and increase the time spent in deep sleep. Sleep measurements via polysomnographic analysis (eye movements and muscle tone) show that collagen intake improves sleep duration and reduces the time needed to fall back asleep after a nighttime awakening. Participants who took collagen woke up an average of 21.3 times per night, while in the placebo group that number was 29.3.
Collagen also helps regulate body temperature during sleep, which is essential for good rest. Normalizing body temperature at night prevents the sudden awakenings that commonly disrupt the sleep cycle.
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Improved cognitive function during the day
Brain activity, concentration, and memory during the active part of the day are also factors that depend on good sleep. Not getting enough can lead to reduced productivity, irritability, and even difficulty absorbing new information. Data from the study show that people who take RealFood collagen perform better on daytime cognitive function tests. They experience a greater ability to concentrate, which makes collagen not just an ally for good sleep, but for daytime productivity as well.
Another interesting finding is that glycine in collagen improves serotonin levels - the "happiness hormone," which is also involved in regulating sleep alongside amino acids. Glycine stimulates serotonin production in the brain, leading to better mood during the day and calmer sleep at night.
How should you take RealFood Hydrolyzed Collagen for an even better effect at night?
Sometimes it's hard to trust a new dietary supplement, and people often lack the patience to wait for it to work. Since hydrolyzed collagen is a 100% natural product, seeing its effects requires patience and consistency. The study shows that taking the recommended daily dose of collagen (10 g) about 30-60 minutes before bed gives the best results. And one more tip - combining collagen with herbs that calm the nervous system, such as chamomile tea, can strengthen the effect in that direction.
In conclusion
Restless sleep, frequent waking, and fatigue can signal a deeper problem. This may mean that the nervous system is being affected by external sources, or that you're not getting enough of the essential vitamins and minerals.
New studies with our RealFood Hydrolyzed Collagen show that it supports sleep quality through the action of the amino acid glycine, reduces nighttime awakenings, and improves brain function during the day. Taking it daily helps regulate neurotransmitters, for a truly sweet sleep.
