If you’ve ever found yourself wide awake at 2 a.m., staring at the ceiling and wondering why your brain just won’t shut off, you're not alone. Millions of Canadians struggle with sleep—whether it’s falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling like they haven’t rested at all.

In today’s fast-paced world, more and more people are turning to Canadian nutrition supplements to support better sleep. Two of the most popular and well-researched natural sleep aids on the market are GABA supplements and melatonin supplements. But here’s the big question: Which one is better for deep, restorative sleep—GABA or melatonin?

Let’s break it down in a science-based, no-fluff way, so you can choose what’s best for your body and your sleep goals.

What is GABA?

GABA stands for gamma-aminobutyric acid (don’t worry—you won’t be quizzed on that). It’s a naturally occurring neurotransmitter in your brain that works like a calming signal. Think of it as your brain’s “brake pedal.” When GABA is released, it slows down brain activity, reduces anxiety, and promotes relaxation.

In simple terms? GABA helps your mind chill out.

How GABA Affects Sleep

When your brain is overactive—say, from stress, too much screen time, or racing thoughts—GABA steps in to quiet the noise. It promotes the kind of deep, uninterrupted sleep that leaves you feeling refreshed in the morning. Several studies have shown that low GABA levels are linked to insomnia, anxiety, and poor sleep quality.

People who take a GABA supplement in Canada often report falling asleep faster, feeling calmer at bedtime, and experiencing fewer middle-of-the-night wakeups.

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone your body produces naturally in response to darkness. It helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle, also known as your circadian rhythm. When the sun goes down, melatonin levels go up—telling your body it’s time to wind down.

Melatonin is not a sedative; it’s more of a biological cue that says, “Hey, it’s bedtime now.”

How Melatonin Affects Sleep

If you’ve ever traveled across time zones and used a Melatonin supplement to fight jet lag, you’ve experienced its magic. Melatonin helps reset your internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep at the right time.

For people with irregular sleep schedules, shift workers, or anyone who’s exposed to a lot of blue light before bed (ahem, your phone), melatonin can help guide your body back to a healthy rhythm.

GABA vs Melatonin: What’s the Difference?

Here’s the kicker: GABA and melatonin work in completely different ways.