ZMA Archives

ZMA vs. GABA: Why The Difference Is Important

ZMA and GABA are two ingredients that we commonly see in sleep supplements, but they’re very different things. For one, ZMA is actually a combo of three ingredients: Zinc asparate, magnesium aspartate, and vitamin B6. GABA (short for Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid),…

Theanine Vs L-Theanine: What’s The Difference?

Theanine is an amino acid that’s cited for its ability to calm the mind and body without sedating it. It’s something I’ve seen in an increasing number of sleep supplements, including my favorite brand of ZMA (see why it’s…

ZMA vs Multivitamin: How Should You Get Your Nutrients?

ZMA is one of my all-time favorite sleep supplements (well, at least top 5), but it’s a pretty simple mix: Vitamin B6, magnesium, and zinc (both in aspartate form). (Some blends contain theanine, which I’m a fan of; read about…

ZMA or BCAA: Which Is Best for Nighttime Recovery?

Comparing ZMA with BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids) is a bit like comparing ZMA with casein protein: They’re very different, one isn’t necessarily better than the other, and both can be used to enhance recovery. ZMA is a specific…

ZMA vs Zinc vs Magnesium: Which Supplements Are Best for Sleep?

Many popular sleep supplements contain some forms of magnesium and zinc, and while magnesium is definitely the more popular element as far as these ingredients go, they’re both quite common. Perhaps the most famous combination of both is ZMA, a…

ZMA vs Casein: Which Is Better for Nighttime Recovery?

Recently, I’ve received a few questions from readers asking whether I prefer ZMA (a specific blend of magnesium and zinc) or casein for athletic recovery at night. This is an especially interesting question to me, because the two supplements vary…

Why Do So Many CrossFitters Like Max Sleep By Driven Performance Labs?

In my review of Max Sleep, I noted that it helped induce some of the deepest sleep I’ve ever experienced (well, at least as an adult; I’ll never get those teenage marathon sleep sessions back). And while I think…

How Often Should You Take ZMA?

ZMA is one of my favorite magnesium-based sleep supplements; generally, I’ve had the most success with True Athlete’s ZMA with Theanine formulation, which combines the standard ZMA stack in precise dosages with theanine, a calming amino acid. Overall, ZMA gives…

ZMA Versus Natural Calm: Which Magnesium Supplement Is Better For Sleep?

Magnesium is one of my favorite sleep aids — and as many Americans don’t get enough from their regular diets, it’s an element/nutrient with benefits way beyond just sleep. This is especially true for athletes, whether you’re a high-paid…

True Athlete ZMA Review: Two Powerful Minerals In One Pill?

It’s no secret I’m a fan of Natural Calm, and I often tell friends and readers one of my main recommendations for sleep is to make sure you’re getting enough magnesium. If Natural Calm is the most popular magnesium…

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