Updated: 7/3/24. Have you seen the Relaxium Sleep TV commercials featuring Mike Huckabee, former governor of Arkansas? Other commercials feature Mike with musician Larry Gatlin. Relaxium. Sleep is touted as a natural, drug-free insomnia supplement that can help you fall asleep 140X faster. Impressive claims and there's some research too so in this Relaxium review, let's look at the ingredients and research as well as the company that makes this sleep aid supplement, including what the main ingredient might be and what you need to know about the free sample. If Relaxium didn't work for you, you'll also learn about the money-back guarantee and how to get a refund too. Affiliate Disclosure: This site may earn a small commission on purchases you make. See the affiliate disclosure page for more insights. Also, see the Relief Factor review.
What Is Relaxium?
Relaxium is not a prescription drug but a sleep aid dietary supplement. According to the company that makes this supplement – American Behavioral Research Institute – its Tripple Action Formula is touted to address 3 key areas that keep you from getting a good night's sleep:
- regulating your natural sleep cycle
- relaxing the body
- calming the mind
Is The Free Bottle Of Relaxium Really Free?
If you are curious and want to test drive this slumber supplement, the company offers a free, two-week supply bottle for $7.95. If you decide to take them up on this free offer, understand the company will also add in a two-month supply. If you do not call the company within 17 days of ordering your free bottle, the Relaxium company will charge your credit card $119.90.
This charge will continue automatically every 55 days until you cancel. If you cancel your subscription within 14 days, the company will let you keep one of the bottles they sent you. See below for how to cancel Relaxium auto-shipments.
At one time, customers had to enter their phone number and email address before they could see how much it cost. This is no longer the case, and prices are listed without private information being entered.
Relaxium Ingredients
A bottle has 60 capsules. Taking the recommended two capsules a day of Relaxium Sleep has the following synergistic ingredients:
Amount | Percent DV | |
Magnesium (magnesium oxide, citrate and glycinate | 100 mg | 25% DV |
L-tryptophan | 500 mg | |
Valerest Proprietary Blend composed of: | 228.9 mg | |
1 Valerian root extract | ||
2 Hops | ||
Ashwagandha | 125 mg | |
GABA | 100 mg | |
Chamomile | 75 mg | |
Passionflower | 75 mg | |
Melatonin | 5 mg |
The other ingredients are rice flowers and vegetable cellulose. Melatonin is the final ingredient listed. Melatonin has a long history of use in sleep aid supplements, which may make some wonder if it is the main ingredient in Relaxium.
Relaxium Sleep is vegan and non-GMO and contains no gluten, nuts, yeast, dairy, sugar, fish, tree nuts, shellfish, soy, corn, barley, or artificial ingredients.
Where Can You Buy Relaxium?
The cost is about $35 online. You can purchase this sleep-improving supplement directly from the official company (Relaxium.com) as well as on Amazon, and it may also be available in local stores such as Walmart, Bed Bath, and Beyond, Target, Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens. The cost of Relaxium may vary, so shop around for the best price. The company may offer discounts and coupons too.
Video Review
If you prefer, watch it on my Youtube channel
What Is Valerest?
Valerest is the name of the proprietary blend in this sleep aid supplement and is a registered trademark owned by the Relaxium company – also called the American Behavioral Research Institute.
Valerest is said to induce sleep safely and naturally and is composed of two ingredients: valerian root extract (Valerina Officinalis) and hops (Humulus lupulus). Valerian extract is listed first, making up most of the 228.9 mg of the Valerest propriety blend.
Valerest Clinical Study
The company states Valerest's effectiveness is backed by a university clinical study where it was compared to melatonin, a popular pharmaceutical drug. The company's results showed Valerest “significantly improved the quality of life through better sleep.” While this is encouraging, there are several problems, such as:
- Where has the full Valerest University study been published? It can't be located.
- Was the study peer-reviewed? They don't tell us.
- What university conducted the study? It's not listed.
- How long did the study last? They don't say.
- How many people were in the study? They don't tell us.
- Did the study contain both men and women? Unknown.
- What was the dosage of Valerest used? The amount is not listed.
- How much melatonin was used? They don't tell us.
- Did Valerest induce sleep better than melatonin? They don't say.
- What was the pharmaceutical drug? It's not mentioned.
- Did Valerest perform better than the prescription drug? They don't mention that either.
Without seeing the actual university study, we cannot know how well Valerest performed. Another question is if Valerest performed so well, why does Relaxium Sleep also contain melatonin and other ingredients?
Relaxium Sleep Research
To prove the supplement really works, the company supported a clinical study. At one time, bottles of Relaxium Sleep indicated these results:
- Fell asleep 140% faster
- Slept longer by 266%
- Woke up alert and refreshed 69% better
- Showed 80% better concentration
However, bottles no longer show the percentages next to the benefits. Oddly, improvements in concentration are no longer displayed on bottles.
The Relaxium clinical trial's title is A Study to Evaluate the Effects of Relaxium in Subjects with Sleep Disorders. It involved 35 men and women with insomnia. The study lasted two weeks and was published in the Journal of Insomnia and Sleep Disorders (vol 1 issue 1), published by Annex Publishers (annexpublishers.com).
During the first week, people took 2 placebo capsules before bed, and in the second week they took 2 Relaxium capsules each night at bedtime. The people kept sleep diaries and underwent before and after sleep tests. Sleep quality and duration were measured using a Fit Bit Inspire fitness tracker.
Relaxium Clinical Study Results
Compared to the placebo, people rated on diaries Relaxium Sleep better at:
- improving the quality of their sleep
- making it easier to fall asleep
- having improved daytime concentration
The results sound impressive. However, problems include:
- It was a small investigation containing only 35 people.
- Difficulties were reported using the Fit Bit tracker, which may have impacted sleep quality results.
Also, for the people who they had complete data sets for, Relaxium was only shown to be significantly better than placebo for improving daytime concentration. In other words, in that group, Relaxium did not improve sleep. Is it possible this due to difficulties with using the FitBit?
Bottom line: this study needs to be duplicated.
Does Ashwagandha Help Sleep?
Ashwagandha (Indian ginseng), one of the ingredients in Relaxium Sleep is an adaptogenic herb touted to do many things including helping improve the quality of your sleep. Does it work? Here's a quick video on the ashwagandha-sleep research.
Watch on my Youtube channel if you prefer
Who Makes Relaxium?
If you are wondering where Relaxium Sleep is made, the American Behavioral Research Institute LLC is the company that makes the supplement and owns the trademark. The company address listed with the Better Business Bureau is 2255 Glades Rd STE 324 A, Boca Raton, FL 33431.
Timea Cilberti is the CEO of the American Behavioral Research Institute. Dr. Eric Ciliberti, MD, is a Boca Ratan, Florida-based Neuro-ophthalmologist who is credited with creating Relaxium. Dr. Cileberti is also the company's medical director.
Better Business Bureau Review
The Better Business Bureau gives the American Behavioral Research Institute a rating of C with 1.9 out of 5 stars. The company is not BBB-accredited but has been in business since 2009. The BBB reports over 400 complaints about the company, some of which mention the Mike Huckabee TV commercial. Many Relaxium complaints revolve around problems with selling and advertising the supplement and credit card.
Unexpected charges after ordering a free trial offer of Relaxim are also listed.
The company responds to customer complaints made on the BBB website and works with unsatisfied customers. The company has also stated that it has implemented a streamlined ordering process to add more straight talk and reduce confusion when people make a purchase. See the BBB file for more information.
Is It Made in America?
The TV commercial featuring Mike Huckabee claims Relaxium is made in the USA. When contacted, the company stated all of the ingredients
were sourced from within the United States.
Celebrity Endorsements
At one time, the Relaxium website featured an assortment of actors and celebrities in addition to Mike Huckabee. They include:
- Dan Marino
- Dee Wallace
- Celeste Thorsen
- Sofia Milos
- Patrikia Darbo
- Moronai Kanekoa
- Kikki Soohoo
- Traci Lynn Cowan
It is unknown if these were paid endorsements or legitimate, non-remunerated happy customers.
See the Relief Factor review for a list of celebrities who endorse that supplement.
Negative Customer Complaints
The supplement had over 20,000 ratings on Amazon, giving it a 3.5 out of 5-star ranking. While a good number of people reported Relaxium Sleep was not a hoax and did indeed improve their ability to fall asleep, some said otherwise. Complaints and side effects from unsatisfied customers included:
- expensive
- doesn't work
- not better than melatonin
- worked sometimes. On other nights, it did not work.
- drowsy the next day
- caused nightmares
- caused hives
Like any popular supplement, results will vary from person to person. See the Amazon listing for more customer reviews.
Relaxium Contact Phone Number
To contact the customer service department, call the phone number 888-353-1205.
- M-F 8 AM to 9 PM EST
- Sat 10 AM to 7 PM EST
- Sun 1 PM to 4 PM EST
You can also email customer support at: Support@Relaxium.com
Relaxium Free Trial: Be Careful
If you order a free trial of this supplement, you will pay $7.95 to cover the cost of sending it to you. When you do this, the company will send you two bottles of Relaxium. This also enters you into an autoshipment subscription program. If you do not cancel within 14 days AND send an unopened bottle back to the company, you will be charged $59.95.
Failure to cancel auto-shipments also means the company will continue to send you two bottles of Relaxium every two months and charge you $59.95 per bottle (total cost $119.90). You can cancel by calling Relaxium Customer Support at 888-353-1205 or emailing them at Help@Relaxium.com.
Money-Back Guarantee, Refunds & How To Return
Relaxium comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee to request a refund. The 30 days begin when the supplements are delivered to your home. That's very good because the company gives you a full month to test drive the supplement.
To get a refund, call Relaxium customer service at 888-353-1205 and give the rep:
- your name
- the email you used to order the supplement
- your order number
Request a return authorization number (RMA number). This is very important. Returned packages that do not include an RMA number will not be accepted.
Return the sleep supplements you purchased to this address:
Relaxium-RETURNS
10701 Abercorn St.
Unit 61553 Savannah, GA 31419
If you ordered multiple bottles, the company only issues full refunds on 1 opened bottle so do not open all bottles you purchased. The company requests that you insure your return in the remote chance it becomes lost in the mail or damaged. Your money will be returned to you within 5 business days of the company receiving your returned items.
If you purchased this insomnia supplement at local stores such as Target, Walgreens, CVS, Rite-Aid, or Walmart, return it to the store you purchased it from with your receipt. If you purchased your supplements from the company's official website and want a refund, here are the instructions on how to get your money back:
Relaxium Side Effects & Contraindications
No side effects were reported in the Relaxium Sleep clinical study. If you are going to try this insomnia supplement and want to ensure you have the best results with the most safety and have minimized side effects and possible drug interactions, here are some points to consider.
- Start by taking less than recommended for the first week. This might reduce GI upset and diarrhea if they occur.
- Speak to your doctor and pharmacist if you take any prescription medications such as blood thinners like warfarin (coumadin), blood sugar medications like metformin, and high blood pressure medicines like beta-blockers.
- There's no proof Relaxium Sleep helps sleep apnea.
- In theory, the ingredients may be inappropriate for those with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
- Animal research suggests ashwagandha may not be safe during pregnancy. Avoid if you are breastfeeding.
- Passion flower may not be safe during pregnancy.
- Stop taking Relaxium at least 2 weeks before surgery unless your doctor says otherwise.
- Avoid combing with alcohol-containing beverages.
- Don't drive or operate motorized equipment while taking.
- Don't combine with prescription sleeping pills like Ambien or over-the-counter sleeping pills or dietary supplements.
- Ashwagandha may lower blood sugar levels and/or interact with diabetes medications.
- Ashwagandha may raise thyroid hormones and reduce TSH levels.
- While rare, melatonin might be associated with heart palpitations in those with heart problems such as irregular heart rhythms.
Relaxium Lawsuit
A class action lawsuit (Aimee Lomedico vs. American Behavioral Research Institute LLC d/b/a, Relaxium) was filed in July of 2022 over false and misleading claims made about the supplement being “clinically proven” to help sleep. The company reached a settlement in December 2022 year, although the terms of the settlement are not known.
Relaxium and The FDA
No FDA warning letters to the company were discovered. Likewise, no warning letters from the Federal Trade Commission (FCC) were found either. This is good as it implies that the company is complying with federal dietary supplement guidelines.
Relaxium Sleep vs. Relaxium Calm
Here are the ingredients in the sleep and calm supplements side-by-side:
Relaxium Sleep 2 capsules | Relaxium Calm 2 capsules |
Magnesium 100 mg | Vitamin C 60 mg |
L-tryptophan 500 mg | Vitamin D3 600 IU |
Valerest Proprietary 228.9 mg Blend composed of: | Thiamine 1.5 mg |
1 Valerian root extract | Vitamin B6 2 mg |
2 Hops | Folic acid 400 mcg |
Ashwagandha | Vitamin B5 10 mg |
GABA | Magnesium 75 mg |
Chamomile | Zinc 10 mg |
Passionflower | Selenium 35 mcg |
Melatonin | Chromium 60 mcg |
GABA 300 mg | |
Passion Flower 180 mg | |
Sensoril ashwagandha 125 mg | |
5-HTP 550 mg |
It is not known if Relaxium Calm works better or if the Sleep and Calm supplements work better together.
Relaxium Max Focus Ingredients
The Max Focus supplement contains several different ingredients than the Relaxium Sleep. Most notable is caffeine, which is the first ingredient listed for the proprietary blend. Caffeine makes up most of the 550 mg blend of ingredients. Do not take Max Focus close to bedtime or it may keep you awake. Caffeine as well as both bacopa monnieri and huperzine A have some memory and focus research. Speak to your doctor and pharmacist if you take any medications.
Amount | Percent Daily Value | |
Niacin (vitamin B3) | 30 mg | 150% |
Vitamin B6 | 5 mg | 250% |
Proprietary Blend Composed of | 550 mg | |
1 Caffeine | ||
2 GABA | ||
4 Bacopa monnieri | ||
4 Alpha GPC | ||
5 L-Theanine | ||
6 Phosphatidylserine | ||
7 L-Tyrosine | ||
8 Huperzine-A |
Can Vitamin B6 Reduce Anxiety?
Watch on my Youtube channel if you prefer
Relaxium Sleep Pros & Cons
These are my opinions. Yours may be different.
Pros | Cons |
Ingredients make sense | Expensive |
At least one study exists | Poor BBB rating |
Company responds to BBB complaints | Proprietary blend |
Auto shipments | |
Only 30-day money-back guarantee and 17 days to cancel auto-shipments if ordering the free sample |
What Do I Suggest?
Of all the ingredients in Relaxium the two that caught my attention the most are melatonin and ashwagandha. If you're looking to save money, consider one of these by itself to see how it works for you. Here are two brands I like:
Does Relaxium Sleep Really Work?
The ingredients make sense for asleep supplement, with ingredients having various degrees of support. It is good that the company has sponsored a clinical trial, although it needs to be replicated. While I'm sure it will work for many people, with respect to Mike Huckabee's TV commercial claims, I wonder if Relaxium Sleep may be an expensive melatonin supplement.
Check out what customers are saying.
Carl Pletcher says
It may help Mike, Mrs. Mike and Larry but it absolutely did not help me one bit. I took it every night for over a week and was still awake at 2 a.m. just as before. My wife had the same experience. Would be very happy to return the unused product.
Joe Cannon says
Hi Carl, if you scroll up you’ll see how to return Relaxium if you are within the 17 day window
Tony s says
Why they are bottel with 60 pills and some with 50 pills his very confusing can they standers
Joe Cannon says
Tony, I was not aware some bottles of Relaxium had different numbers of capsules. Thanks for letting us know. Does anyone have insights about why this might be?
Harold bigman says
STOP SENDING RELAXIUM SLEEP
Joe Cannon says
Harold, scroll up to see how to contact customer report for relaxium
Max Altenbern says
I need a order to return 2 bottlles of relaxium
Joe Cannon says
Hi Max, scroll up to the section that describes how to return Relaxium. If you have any issues, let me know here.
robin french says
Mike Huckabee gives Christians a bad name…shame on him…tell the truth about this sham product and how difficult it is to cancel…SHAME
Jeff says
If he’s talking, he’s lying.
Darwin Slee says
please stop my order not needed anymore
Joe Cannon says
Hi Darwin, contact the company and they can help you. the contact information is above.
sally strescino says
After trying relaxium each time I didn’t fall a sleep fast & after falling to sleep I got nightmares
Joe Cannon says
Sally I am SO sorry to hear about you getting nightmares!
Thomas J. Mosher says
I can’t get my money back
Joe Cannon says
Thomas, I am so sorry! Relaxium has that awful policy where you have to call them within 17 days or they charge you $190. I wish they would extend this to 30 days so people had more time to cancel. Did you call relaxium customer service? what did they say? Have you tried leaving a dispute with the better business bureau? that might get you a resolution.
Cecil Hutson says
Cancel the relaxin pills , they were for the wife, she is sleeping well and better than anyone left on the earth.
So Cancel this order.
Joe Cannon says
Hi Cecil, this isnt the Relaxium company but scroll up to see the Relaxium customer support phone number. They can cancel your order.
Alex willshire says
Yes, Mike Huckaby IS lying in his ridiculous commercials for Relaxium Sleep. There is NO “hidden health crisis”. The only “crisis” is people signing a contract that they didn’t intend to sign, for repeat shipments of herbal sleep aids that will last for weeks with one bottle, then they are billed for several bottles, and it is very difficult for them to get their money back.
The same kind of “sleep aids” are available in any grocery store. I’ve seen them in many stores. They are in Walmart, Safeway, Winco, and all other grocery stores that have vitamins. They only cost about $10 per bottle, not $20 or more like Relaxium Sleep. It is a rip-off! It is a scam.
They forgot that one of the best sleep aids is CBD oil spray. Other ways to go to sleep are free, like meditation, reading, soft music, exercise a few hours before bed, massage, etc.
There is NO “hidden health crisis.” Everybody can go to sleep if they try. The health crisis in our country is OBESITY. Not sleeping.
Joe Cannon says
Alex, you bring up a good point. Being overweight is linked to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea to name a few. It’s the existential threat politicians don’t want to talk about. Ironic Mike Huckabee isn’t talking about it either these days since he once lost a lot of weight.
PHIL Molloy says
Mr Huckabee; If you need my money that bad i feel sorry for you. We ordered a trial size and that was it. Your product is useless. I want my money back.
Joe Cannon says
Hi Phil, scroll up to the section on how to get a refund. This website only reviews dietary supplements. It’s not associated with Relaxium. If I can offer further assistance, let me know.
Dennis Shipman says
This relaxium is a total scam. It not only does not work axxxxxxxxt all but they committed fraud by charginging me 119.90 besides the cost of the order a few days after the order. This really surprises me.
Joe Cannon says
Hi Dennis, I’m really sorry to learn Relaxium did not work for you. I’ve heard from several people who were surprised by the $119.90 charge. I addressed this in the video. After ordering the free sample, there is a time period within witch you have to cancel or they automatically send more and charge you $119.90. I think if you reach out to the company they will refund you the money. Try that and please do let us know what happened.
Brenda manley says
I do NOT need any more Relaxium. I have one and a half bottles left from my last order and I just received three more bottles in the mail this week. Please do not send me any more. I think I have enough to last for a while. The address I’ve been receiving my order is.
Joe Cannon says
Hi Brenda, scroll up and you will see the Relaxium customer service phone number. Call that number and they can help pause your orders.
Stefan Abraham says
Why are folks asking you to cancel their orders when you have nothing to do with Relaxium!!??
Joe Cannon says
Stefan that’s a good question. My guess is they click on the first thing they see and in their haste, don’t take the time to read. I’m sure we have all been there.
Stefan Abraham says
Thank you your review. I have taken Melatonin and am currently on Gebapentin from Pfizer which have taken in the past 3+ weeks has improved my sleep 100% in getting to sleep however, still wake up once this far. Once having woken up early was unable to get back to sleep.
I take a cup of tea morning and afternoon with coffee in between. However, need to be careful to not take more than if not much more than above as I found attending a conference could not sleep till am!
As Melatonin alone did not work for me might with medics approval consider taking it along with Gebapentin long term. Though Gebapentin not recommend to drive etc.!
Joe Cannon says
Stefan, as long as your doctor doesn’t see a problem… I’m not sure how well melatonin works long-term. I’ve heard it may work less when taken long term.
MARLIN GOEBEL says
I AM PRESENTLY USING SLEEP AID WITH NO CONSISTENT RESULT. WHEN TO TAKE AND HOW MANY TO TAKE AT A TIME. THANKS
Joe Cannon says
Marlin, how long have you been taking Relaxium? Aside from following their directions, I don’t think I can add anything.The usage directions are on the label.
Lenora Hoard says
we are getting an order with 2 and another order with 6 bottles
cancel the 6 bottles, please
Joe Cannon says
Hi Lenora, if you scroll up in the review you will see the Relaxium customer support number. Call that number and they can cancel your order
Frances Rattigan says
I Ordered a bottle on July 20th, It is now august 9th & I have not received it yet, If it’s not been shipped yet I want to cancel & get a refund !!!!
Joe Cannon says
Frances, have you reached out to the company? Scroll up to see the customer service number to get a refund. I hope that helps.
Dave Meyers says
I’ve had insomnia for most of my life. I’ve been on sleeping meds for the last 45 yrs. I am currently on Ambien 10 mg and Lorazapam 1 mg. I am 69 yr old. and today out of the blue… my Dr says he going to cut me off my meds… I need to know if this stuff works and how soon I can get some.
Joe Cannon says
Hi Dave, did your doctor say why he was taking you off your sleeping meds? I’ve seen some research suggesting Ambian may raise the risk of dementia. Might that be why?
So to me, Relaxium looks like an overpriced melatonin supplement. If you are going to try Relaxium read the comments here from others who have expressed concerns about charges made to their credit cards. If you opt for the free sample, scroll up and look at the $119.90 charge you’ll get hit with if you do not cancel within 17 days.