I used to think poor sleep was just part of getting older—something I had to accept. But after watching my 87-year-old father struggle with sleep and energy, I realized something had to change.
He came to me one day and said, “I think I need to write my will.” He felt unsteady, like he was walking on cotton. Sleep was broken—two to three hours a night, tops. His usual medication wasn’t helping anymore. And this was coming from a man who, for most of his life, walked 10,000 steps a day and treated patients as a respected doctor.
That conversation jolted me. Despite both of us being skeptical of supplements, I began digging into research. And that’s when I came across phosphatidylserine (PS)—a compound I’d never given much thought to, but it soon changed everything.
So, What Is Phosphatidylserine?
It’s made from soy or sunflower lecithin and is often included in cognitive support supplements. But it’s now gaining recognition for something more personal: helping people sleep better.Phosphatidylserine is a fatty compound (a phospholipid) naturally found in brain cell membranes. It supports communication between brain cells, helps regulate stress hormones like cortisol, and plays a role in maintaining memory and cognition.
My Test Drive: Unexpected Sleep Benefits
I didn’t want to risk giving my father something unproven—so I took it myself first.
To my surprise, it helped immediately. I’ve always preferred sleeping on my stomach, but after hitting my 40s, that became uncomfortable. After starting PS, I suddenly found myself falling asleep like I did as a kid. Deep, peaceful sleep. So I gave a capsule to my father. That night, he slept three more hours than usual—and woke up smiling.
From there, our journey became a trial-and-error experiment. We tested dozens of supplement combinations—some duds, some mildly helpful. But one formula stood out: phosphatidylserine + tart cherry + CoQ10.
We noticed:
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Longer, uninterrupted sleep
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Sharper thinking in the morning
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Less joint and muscle fatigue
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Fewer bathroom trips at night
My father, now in his 90s, walks 7,000 steps a day, cooks his own meals, and doesn’t need a caregiver. That’s not magic—it’s good sleep and brain support.
What the Science Says About PS and Sleep
Research shows PS may:
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Lower evening cortisol levels (the stress hormone that keeps you up)
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Support brain cell function and signal transmission
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Help regulate mood and reduce age-related memory loss
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Influence sleep cycles, especially in older adults and people with neurodegenerative conditions
In stroke research, PS is seen as a key player in protecting brain cells. When neurons are under stress, PS flips to the outer surface of cell membranes, signaling for the cell to be “cleaned up.” Scientists are now studying enzymes that control this process to see if they can slow down brain cell death after injury.
This isn’t about taking PS to “treat” disease—it’s about understanding how closely PS is tied to brain health and stress regulation.
How to Take Phosphatidylserine for Sleep
Here’s a simple guide based on what worked for us—and what’s been explored in studies:
Situation | Suggested Timing & Dose |
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Trouble falling asleep | 100–200mg PS, taken 2 hours before bedtime |
Early waking | 100mg closer to bedtime, or split the dose |
High stress levels | 100mg PS morning + 100mg evening |
With other ingredients | Stack with tart cherry, magnesium glycinate, or CoQ10 (avoid melatonin if sensitive) |
It’s best to start low and gradually increase to find what suits your body.
Regulatory Snapshot
Phosphatidylserine is recognized in many countries:
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China: Approved as a new resource food (not for infants; <600mg/day)
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USA: GRAS status (Generally Recognized As Safe); limited cognitive health claims allowed
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South Korea: Can advertise benefits for preventing age-related cognitive decline
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EU/Japan: Approved under novel food and food additive frameworks
Always check local guidelines if you’re developing or recommending supplements.
Final Thoughts
Sleep is complicated. But after trying nearly every trick in the book, phosphatidylserine gave my father—and me—something powerful: a chance to sleep deeper, think clearer, and wake up truly refreshed.
You don’t need to accept poor sleep as inevitable. Sometimes, the right support—like PS—can quietly unlock better nights and brighter mornings.
Media Contact
Company Name: Sinofn (Tianjin) Pharm-Tech Co., Ltd.
Email: Send Email
Phone: 022-24928910
Address:No. 60 Weiliu Road, Airport Zone
City: Tianjin, 300308
Country: China
Website: https://www.sinofnhealth.com/