Sleep
Hops
Also known as: Humulus lupulus, Hop strobiles, Lupulin
Traditional sleep and anxiety herb from the brewing plant. Most consistently effective when combined with valerian.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Hops product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pure Encapsulations Best-Rest Formula | 84 A- | $1.23 |
| 2 | Pure Encapsulations Phyto-4 | 84 A- | $1.65 |
| 3 | Nutricost Sleep Aid Complex Capsules | 83 A- | $0.47 |
| 4 | Nested Naturals LUNA Gentle Sleep Supplement | 82 A- | $0.73 |
| 5 | Vital Nutrients Sleep Aide | 81 A- | $1.95 |
| 6 | Pure Encapsulations MenoVive | 79 B+ | $1.07 |
| 7 | Nature's Way Revitalizing Sleep Formula | 78 B+ | $2.16 |
| 8 | Terra Origin Healthy Sleep & Wake | 78 B+ | $0.42 |
| 9 | Zhou Nutrition Driftoff | 71 B | $0.77 |
| 10 | New Chapter Zyflamend Nighttime | 70 B | $1.13 |
| 11 | New Chapter Turmeric Force Nighttime | 69 B | $1.13 |
| 12 | Country Life Menopause Rescue | 68 B | $0.50 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Hops should I take?
The typical range is 200-1000 mg dried strobiles before bed. No clear cycling needed; safe for ongoing use
When should I take Hops?
30-60 minutes before sleep. Either way.
Which form of Hops is best?
Dried strobiles (capsule) — Most common standardized form. Other forms in the catalog: Tincture, Tea.
Is Hops safe?
Commonly reported: Drowsiness, Mild GI upset. Serious warnings: Phytoestrogenic — caution in estrogen-sensitive cancers. No significant concerns at typical doses
Which Hops supplement scores highest?
Pure Encapsulations Best-Rest Formula, at 84/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Sleep onset
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
How it works
- Modulates GABA-A receptors (mild)
- Bitter acids (humulones, lupulones) have sedative properties in animal models
- Contains 8-prenylnaringenin, a potent phytoestrogen
Dosage
- Typical range
- 200-1000 mg dried strobiles before bed
- Timing
- 30-60 minutes before sleep
- With food
- Either way
- Duration
- No clear cycling needed; safe for ongoing use
- Special populations
- Avoid in hormone-sensitive conditions due to phytoestrogen content
Forms
- Dried strobiles (capsule)
- Tincture
- Tea
Safety
Common side effects
- Drowsiness
- Mild GI upset
Contraindications
- Hormone-sensitive conditions
- Severe depression (CNS depressant)
Products containing Hops
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Hops on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Most positive RCTs use hops + valerian combinations; standalone evidence is limited. Traditional use is extensive.
Grade C: Mostly observational or small trials; mechanism is plausible but unproven at scale.
Related in Sleep
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.