Dream Shot: Science-Based Sleep Optimization
By Seiji Ishii
Editor in Chief
A comprehensive analysis of The Feed’s revolutionary liquid sleep formulation.
Sleep is the ultimate performance enhancer, directly impacting recovery, cognitive function, and athletic performance. Yet it remains one of the most neglected aspects of training protocols.
Dream Shot represents a paradigm shift—moving beyond single-ingredient solutions to deliver a comprehensive, science-backed approach addressing the complex mechanisms governing sleep.
This analysis examines the research foundation and clinical evidence behind this breakthrough in natural sleep support.
Executive Summary
Dream Shot represents a breakthrough in sleep optimization through a comprehensive liquid formulation addressing all three sleep phases: onset, maintenance, and restorative deep sleep. Unlike traditional sleep aids that focus on single mechanisms, Dream Shot employs six scientifically validated ingredients that work synergistically throughout the sleep cycle.
The liquid delivery system provides enhanced bioavailability and faster onset versus pills, while the natural ingredient profile avoids pharmaceutical dependency risks.
The Sleep Crisis
Sleep disorders affect over 35% of adults globally, with insufficient sleep duration becoming increasingly prevalent.³ Poor sleep quality contributes to decreased cognitive performance, increased chronic disease risk, and reduced quality of life.
Current sleep aids often rely on single-ingredient approaches that may produce dependency, tolerance, or unwanted side effects.
Dream Shot addresses these limitations through a comprehensive formulation targeting multiple sleep regulation pathways while maintaining safety and efficacy.
Product Overview
Complete Formula Profile
Dream Shot is a 2-ounce liquid supplement containing:
CherryPURE® Tart Cherry Juice: 2 fl oz (natural melatonin source)
Magtein® Magnesium L-Threonate: 1,000 mg (72 mg elemental magnesium)
L-Glycine: 3,000 mg (thermoregulatory support)
L-Theanine: 200 mg (stress reduction and relaxation)
Ashwagandha Extract (4:1): 100 mg (adaptogenic stress support)
PeptiSleep™: 250 mg (cortisol regulation peptide)
Why Liquid Delivery Matters
The liquid formulation offers key advantages:
Rapid Absorption: Bypasses dissolution for faster onset
Enhanced Bioavailability: Immediate nutrient availability
Convenience: Single-dose eliminates multiple pills
Consistent Dosing: Precise measurement ensures accuracy
Science-Backed Ingredients
CherryPURE® Tart Cherry Juice
How It Works: Natural source of melatonin plus anthocyanins and tryptophan that support sleep regulation.
Clinical Evidence: Multiple studies show tart cherry juice significantly increases melatonin levels and improves sleep duration and quality.¹ A 2011 European Journal of Nutrition study found meaningful improvements in sleep time and sleep efficiency in healthy adults.¹ A 2018 pilot study found that tart cherry juice has modest beneficial effects on sleep in older adults with insomnia.²
Safety: NIH reports no safety concerns with up to 16 ounces daily.¹⁷ Dream Shot contains 2 fl oz, well within safe parameters.
Magtein® Magnesium L-Threonate
How It Works: The only form of magnesium proven to cross the blood-brain barrier effectively, raising brain magnesium levels where other forms fail.
Clinical Evidence: A 2024 randomized controlled trial found that magnesium L-threonate improved sleep quality, especially deep/REM sleep stages, while also improving mood, energy, and alertness.⁴,⁵
Why It’s Superior: Unlike conventional magnesium supplements that barely affect brain levels, L-threonate increases brain magnesium significantly, targeting the source of sleep regulation.⁴
L-Glycine
How It Works: Functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter and thermoregulatory agent, reducing core body temperature to promote sleep onset.
Clinical Evidence: Research shows 3 g of glycine before bedtime reduces daytime sleepiness and shortens sleep onset latency.⁶,⁷ The 3,000 mg dose in Dream Shot aligns with effective research dosing.⁸
Key Benefit: Initiates the natural body temperature drop that signals sleep time.⁶
L-Theanine
How It Works: Promotes relaxation without sedation by modulating GABA, serotonin, and dopamine pathways while crossing the blood-brain barrier.
Clinical Evidence: Meta-analysis shows L-theanine significantly improves subjective sleep onset latency, daytime dysfunction, and overall sleep quality.⁹,¹⁰ The 200 mg dose falls within the clinically validated 100-400 mg range.¹¹
Unique Advantage: Calms mental chatter without morning grogginess.⁹
Ashwagandha Extract
How It Works: Adaptogen that modulates stress response by reducing cortisol levels and supporting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
Clinical Evidence: Studies show ashwagandha supplementation reduces cortisol secretion by 11-32% and significantly improves sleep quality, efficiency, and latency compared to placebo.¹²,¹³,¹⁴
Stress-Sleep Connection: Addresses the root cause of sleep disruption—elevated stress hormones.¹²
PeptiSleep™
Understanding Peptides: Short chains of amino acids serving as signaling molecules. Unlike complete proteins, peptides are smaller and more readily absorbed, allowing for targeted biological responses.
How It Works: Cutting-edge peptide technology from rice protein hydrolysate, designed to regulate cortisol throughout the night.
Clinical Evidence: Pilot study shows 61% of participants fell asleep faster, with increases of 17% deep sleep, 13% light sleep, and 35 minutes total sleep time.¹⁵,¹⁶
Innovation: Works across all four sleep phases with no morning hangover effects.¹⁵
Synergistic Sleep Support
Three-Phase Strategy
Sleep Onset Phase:
L-Theanine reduces mental chatter
Glycine initiates body temperature reduction
Tart cherry provides natural melatonin
Sleep Maintenance Phase:
PeptiSleep™ prevents cortisol-mediated disruption
Ashwagandha maintains stress hormone balance
Magnesium L-threonate supports neurological calm
Deep Sleep Phase:
Magnesium L-threonate enhances synaptic plasticity
Glycine promotes slow-wave sleep
Complete nutrient profile supports restoration
Avoiding Common Problems
The formulation avoids:
Melatonin Dependency: Natural vs. synthetic melatonin
Morning Grogginess: Balanced approach prevents hangover effects
Tolerance Issues: Non-habit forming ingredients
Clinical Results and User Experience
Reported Benefits
Over 90% of The Feed athlete test subjects reported:
Improved sleep quality
Enhanced REM sleep (more vivid dreams)
Higher sleep scores on wearable devices
What to Expect
30-60 minutes: Relaxation and drowsiness
1-7 days: Improved sleep onset and quality
2-4 weeks: Full adaptation and sustained benefits
Initial Adjustment
First-time users may experience temporary “sleep inertia” during nights 2-4, characterized by deeper sleep and desire to stay in bed longer. This indicates catching up on sleep debt and resolves as patterns normalize.
Safety and Compatibility
General Safety Profile
All ingredients have established safety profiles, with FDA Generally Recognized as Safe status where applicable, and have been extensively used in dietary supplements.
Supplement Compatibility
Pillar Magnesium: Dream Shot can be safely taken alongside Pillar Magnesium products.
The 72 mg elemental magnesium from Magtein® targets brain-specific benefits, while other magnesium forms support muscle function. Different forms serve complementary purposes without over-supplementation risk.
Consultation Recommended
Consult healthcare providers before use if:
Taking prescription sleep medications
Using blood pressure medications
Pregnant or nursing
Under 18 years of age
Usage Guidelines
Optimal Protocol
Timing: Take 30-60 minutes before desired bedtime
Consistency: Use regularly for best results
Environment: Combine with proper sleep hygiene
Maximizing Results
Combine with:
Consistent sleep schedule
Cool, dark sleep environment
Limited screen time before bed
Bedroom temperature 65-68°F
Dream Shot vs. Alternatives
Factor | Dream Shot | Traditional Sleep Aids | Single Ingredients |
Dependency Risk | Low | High | Varies |
Morning Grogginess | Minimal | Common | Possible |
Tolerance Development | Unlikely | Common | Possible |
Comprehensive Support | Yes | Limited | No |
Natural Approach | Yes | No | Depends |
Conclusion
Dream Shot represents a scientifically grounded approach to sleep optimization that addresses the complex nature of sleep disorders through comprehensive, natural means. The synergistic combination of six clinically validated ingredients creates a formulation that supports all phases of sleep while minimizing risks associated with conventional sleep medications.
For athletes and active individuals seeking a science-based approach to sleep optimization without dependency risks, Dream Shot offers a compelling solution backed by substantial research evidence. The innovative liquid delivery system and cutting-edge ingredients, like PeptiSleep™, represent the future of sleep support supplementation.
This analysis is based on current scientific literature and manufacturer information. Individual results may vary, and consulting a healthcare provider is recommended before starting any new supplement regimen.
References
Howatson, G., Bell, P.G., Tallent, J., Middleton, B., McHugh, M.P., & Ellis, J. (2012). Effect of tart cherry juice (Prunus cerasus) on melatonin levels and enhanced sleep quality. European Journal of Nutrition, 51(8), 909-916. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22038497/
Pigeon, W.R., Carr, M., Gorman, C., & Perlis, M.L. (2010). Effects of a tart cherry juice beverage on the sleep of older adults with insomnia: A pilot study. Journal of Medicinal Food, 13(3), 579-583. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3133468/
Sleep Foundation. (2022). Tart Cherry Juice for Sleep. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/nutrition/tart-cherry-juice
Zhang, C., Hu, Q., Li, S., Dai, F., Qian, W., Hewlings, S., Yan, T., & Wang, Y. (2022). A Magtein®, Magnesium L-Threonate -Based Formula Improves Brain Cognitive Functions in Healthy Chinese Adults. Nutrients, 14(24), 5235. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9786204/
Poliquin, S., Jiang, J., Blatchford, P., Adams, J., Teo, L., Fuss, J., Dawson, B., Peeling, P., & Binnie, M.J. (2024). Magnesium-L-threonate improves sleep quality and daytime functioning in adults with self-reported sleep problems: A randomized controlled trial. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 73, 101878. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590142724000193
Kawai, N., Sakai, N., Okuro, M., Karakawa, S., Tsuneyoshi, Y., Kawasaki, N., Takeda, T., Bannai, M., & Nishino, S. (2015). The sleep-promoting and hypothermic effects of glycine are mediated by NMDA receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Neuropsychopharmacology, 40(6), 1405-1416. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4397399/
Bannai, M., Kawai, N., Ono, K., Nakahara, K., & Murakami, N. (2012). The effects of glycine on subjective daytime performance in partially sleep-restricted healthy volunteers. Frontiers in Neurology, 3, 61. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3328957/
Sleep Foundation. (2023). Glycine for Sleep. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/glycine-for-sleep
Hidese, S., Ogawa, S., Ota, M., Ishida, I., Yasukawa, Z., Ozeki, M., & Kunugi, H. (2019). Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients, 11(10), 2362. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6836118/
Bulman, A., D’Cunha, N.M., Marx, W., Turner, M., McKune, A., & Naumovski, N. (2024). The effects of L-theanine consumption on sleep outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 75, 101920. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1087079225000292
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Salve, J., Pate, S., Debnath, K., & Langade, D. (2019). Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study. Cureus, 11(12), e6466. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6979308/
Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized, double-anonymized, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 136(3), 344-354. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/
Nuritas. (2025). Experience Deeper, Better Sleep with New Plant Peptide, PeptiSleep, from Nuritas. Business Wire. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250224965075/en/Experience-Deeper-Better-Sleep-With-New-Plant-Peptide-PeptiSleep%E2%84%A2-From-Nuritas
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