Company unveils PeptiSleep, a rice bran-derived ingredient targeting all sleep phases, offering a natural alternative to traditional aids.
Nuritas, a Dublin-based biotech specializing in AI-driven peptide discovery, is set to introduce PeptiSleep, a plant-derived ingredient designed to support sleep across multiple phases. The ingredient will be showcased at this week’s Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California, where industry professionals will have the opportunity to explore its potential applications in the food, beverage and supplement sectors.
“Millions struggle with poor sleep every night, which can cloud mood and judgment in the short term and drive serious health issues over time,” said Dr Nora Khaldi, founder and CEO of Nuritas. “PeptiSleep is a breakthrough in consumer health and empowers formulators to create next-gen sleep supplements, foods, and beverages that can enhance every stage of sleep. With our AI-powered discovery platform and commitment to advancing health through nature and science, we’re excited to continue bringing to market better ingredients for people and the planet, faster.”
Longevity.Technology: For too long, sleep has been treated as a negotiable luxury – something to cut short in favor of productivity or entertainment; however, research has demonstrated that sleep is not just restorative – it is a biological necessity, as crucial to longevity as diet and exercise. During sleep, the body shifts into repair mode – clearing metabolic waste from the brain, regulating immune function and orchestrating cellular renewal, all essential for long-term health. Yet, in a world where life is lived at a frenetic pace and busyness is worn like a badge of honor, high-quality sleep can be increasingly elusive. It is no surprise, then, that supplement manufacturers are waking up to the fact that sleep enhancement is an accelerating industry, with consumers seeking to reclaim the regenerative power of deep rest.
A physiological approach
PeptiSleep is derived from rice bran protein and was identified using Nuritas’ AI platform, which specializes in discovering bioactive peptides from natural sources. The ingredient is designed to support sleep by influencing physiological processes, including cortisol regulation – cortisol is a hormone associated with stress and sleep disruption. According to Nuritas, PeptiSleep works across multiple sleep phases, including deep and light sleep.
In an internal pilot study, participants who consumed PeptiSleep and tracked their biometrics with smart rings reported measurable improvements in key sleep metrics. Findings from the study indicated that 61% of participants fell asleep faster, deep sleep duration increased by 17%, light sleep increased by 13%, and overall sleep time extended by an average of 35 minutes [1]. While these preliminary results suggest potential benefits, further independent research would be needed to validate these effects across a broader population.
Dr Andy Franklyn-Miller, Chief Medical and Innovation Officer of Nuritas, told us that sleep is no longer just a luxury – it’s a cornerstone of health, productivity and mental resilience.
“Among its stages, deep sleep (also known as slow-wave sleep or Stage 3 Non REM) stands out as the body’s reset button – it’s where the magic happens,” he said. “During deep sleep, your brain clears out waste, like beta-amyloid proteins tied to Alzheimer’s, and consolidates memories, and your body repairs tissues, boosts immunity and releases growth hormones.”
Franklyn-Miller explained that chronic deep sleep deprivation is linked to weakened immunity, mood disorders, and even inflammation driven, higher risks of obesity and heart disease.
“Around 50 to 70 million Americans are affected by chronic sleep disorders, and about 1 in 3 adults in the US – roughly 84 million people – don’t regularly get the recommended 7+ hours of uninterrupted sleep per night, according to CDC data,” he said. “In 2020, 35% of adults reported short sleep duration (less than 7 hours), with some states showing rates as high as 42.8%. This suggests that a significant proportion of the world are not getting anything like enough deep sleep! We think we have the solution for those struggling with getting sufficient deep sleep. PeptiSleep, our natural peptide matrix from rice, lowers cortisol naturally, and in clinical trial evidence, demonstrates significant improvements in all phases of sleep and no hangover effect.”
Peptides with potential
PeptiSleep is designed for use across various product formats, including dietary supplements, functional foods, and beverages. It may be incorporated into capsules, gummies, powders, and ready-to-drink formulations, either as a standalone ingredient or in combination with other sleep-supporting compounds such as magnesium. The company has positioned PeptiSleep as a natural alternative for consumers looking to improve sleep without reliance on synthetic interventions.
Nuritas has previously applied its AI-driven approach to peptide discovery in other areas of health and wellness. The company’s proprietary peptide PeptiStrong, derived from fava bean, has been integrated into muscle health formulations, including FLT MUSCLE, the new supplement from Longevity.Technology, which is designed to support muscle strength, growth and recovery.
Industry engagement
Attendees at Expo West will have the opportunity to sample PeptiSleep in different product formats, including gummies and capsules. The company is also engaging with industry professionals to explore partnerships for integrating PeptiSleep into commercial products.
Nuritas’ approach to peptide discovery has positioned it as a supplier of bioactive ingredients with targeted health benefits. As interest in natural sleep solutions grows, the reception of PeptiSleep among formulators and consumers may provide insight into the evolving role of peptide-based ingredients in the sleep support market.
[1] https://www.nuritas.com/experience-deeper-better-sleep-nuritas-unveils-peptisleep-at-expo-west/
