Does Collagen Help You Sleep? Everything You Need to Know

It’s the middle of the night, and you’ve tried everything. Listening to whale sounds, reading your favourite book and drinking soothing tea. But it’s the second week of bad sleep, and nothing works. You need something else. Well, we have a pretty good suggestion. Have you tried collagen?

Collagen and sleep have been linked together, and it may be the supplement you need for a peaceful night. But whether there’s any truth to it is another story. In this article, we’re breaking down scientific studies on collagen to help sleep and the best collagen for sleep.

Collagen: What is it?

Collagen is a protein your body builds using amino acids and vitamin C. It gives cells elasticity and strength for healthy skin, muscles and tendons. As you age, collagen production slows down, contributing to achy joints, brittle hair, fine lines and wrinkles. You typically hear about collagen in skincare products, but is collagen good for sleep?

How does collagen help you sleep better at night?

Sleep and collagen production have been linked in several small studies that show how collagen improves sleep. Read on for science-backed evidence of collagen sleep benefits.

Reduces fragmented sleep

Fragmented sleep is when you wake up at different times throughout the night. Rather than your head hitting the pillow for eight straight hours, you toss and turn. Sometimes, you’re unsure what woke you up or why you can’t get back to sleep. But one thing you do know is you need a solid night’s rest without sleep disruption. Well, maybe you can.

A 2024 study explored the relationship between collagen and men with sleep complaints. The results showed that collagen supplementation before bed reduced the number of times they woke up throughout the night. And, as a bonus, it improved their cognitive function the next day.

Lowers stress for a peaceful slumber

One of the first things stress affects is sleep because your body releases a hormone called cortisol. It puts your body into fight or flight mode, making it hard to relax and fall asleep. Unfortunately, cortisol attacks collagen, breaking it down and impacting your heart, skin and hair health. But there’s light at the end of the stressful tunnel.

A study conducted in 2021 found that collagen peptides may regulate cortisol hormones for better sleep. However, it’s essential to remember that collagen peptides come from animal collagen, which is not an exact match of human collagen. So, you may be better off taking a supplement that gives your body the exact amino acids it needs to produce collagen. A great start is through plant-based collagen, like VeCollal®.

Stimulates better sleep quality

It doesn’t matter how many hours of sleep you get, if the quality is poor, you’ll wake up feeling groggy. But can collagen help?

One 2016 study gave participants who complained of poor sleep a glycine supplement before bed. The supplement improved participant’s sleep, and they woke up feeling lively, with less fatigue and a clearer head. Glycine is an amino acid found in dairy and plant-based sources. Arella Beauty’s Liquid Collagen Supplement is abundant in amino acids and 100% vegan.

Answers to your collagen sleep questions

Science shows us that collagen could unlock a better night’s sleep, but you may have more questions than answers. Read on to learn more.

Does collagen powder help you sleep?

Collagen sleep powder might help you drift off, but getting a high-quality one is essential. Make sure the powder has active ingredients and doesn’t contain large amounts of fillers or artificial preservatives.

However, we recommend skipping the powders for maximum effects on collagen and sleep. Your body may only absorb 3% of collagen powder capsules compared to our liquid collagen, which has a 98% absorption rate.

Should you drink collagen before sleep?

Taking our liquid collagen at night for sleep is the perfect way to slip into a peaceful slumber. However, its not vital that you take it at bedtime.

Drink it at a time that best suits you, and add the Arella Dream supplement to your bedtime routine for maximum sleep benefits. Take two capsules of the sleep supplement before bed. Then, let your head hit the pillow and enjoy the natural sedative properties of soothing chamomile, lavender and passionflower.

Best collagen for sleep

The best sleep collagen should contain active ingredients that work to lower stress and induce relaxation for better sleep. Here are our top picks, which we’ve included in our award-winning liquid collagen.

Panax ginseng — Ginseng is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties and ability to tackle stress for an overactive body and mind.

Read more: The Truth About Ginseng For Your Skin.

Vitamin C — A crucial component of collagen production is vitamin C, making it a fantastic ingredient for increasing sleep duration.

Vitamin B complex—We've included multiple types of vitamin B to regulate the sleep hormone melatonin.

Best beauty sleep collagen: The ingredients you need

Arella Beauty’s collagen supplement doesn’t just give you better sleep. It also helps you wake up looking and feeling beautiful. Here are the key beauty sleep ingredients we use and why:

Retinol (vitamin A) - While you sleep, your body starts its renewal process, shedding old cells to reveal new ones. However, this slows down as you age, causing skin to look dull and deepening fine lines.

Retinol in liquid collagen supercharges cell turnover, making it the perfect ingredient in a collagen beauty sleep supplement.

Biotin - Biotin is a protein that increases hair health by strengthening the hair follicles for strong, shiny and manageable locks. Include biotin in a collagen supplement to help grow your hair overnight.

Hyaluronic Acid - Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that draws water molecules from the air to plump and refresh your skin. You lose water while you sleep by simply breathing, so make sure you have hyaluronic acid to replenish your skin.

Get a better night’s sleep with Arella Beauty liquid collagen

Collagen and sleep come hand in hand for a beautiful night’s rest. It’s ideal when you need to wind down for the night or if you’re tossing and turning in your sheets. It even goes one step further and enhances your beauty sleep. Try our vegan liquid collagen supplement today for a good night’s rest - finally!

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Written by Emma Carey for Arella Beauty.

Emma is a holistic beauty and wellness writer. She has three years of experience in the well-being industry and a Master’s degree in Creative Writing and Wellness. Check out her portfolio and follow her on Instagram.