Latest news with #Habi
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
I tried the 16p Boots dupes of Kourtney Kardashian's Lemme gummies – there's an agonising side-effect I couldn't stand
WITH a to-do-list as long as my forearm, getting a full eight hours of sleep is something that rarely ever happens in my life. As someone with a VERY busy social life and an incredibly intense job, a good quality night's sleep is something I often strive for, but often don't experience. 5 5 So could a so-called 'science-backed' capsule created by Kourtney Kardashian's supplements brand be the answer? Lemme Sleep Tight Gummies claim to 'help you fall asleep and stay asleep', whilst helping you 'wake up feeling refreshed'. The supplement contains melatonin, which helps you to fall asleep and promotes restful sleep patterns, while Magnesium, L-Theanine and a dreamy blend of Chamomile, Lavender and Elderberry let you drift off in peace. But at £23 a pop and my purse feeling tighter than ever before, I was on a mission to find something slightly more purse-friendly. And that's where the Habi Bedtime Sleep Gummies from Boots come in. At just £10 for a pack of 60, this high-street buy, which works out at just 16p per gummy, appeared to be a much kinder solution to my sore wallet. But could this dupe, which is part of Boots' 'vibrant and fresh' new approach to wellness, help me sleep? I've noticed numerous five star reviews of the gummies online and many have reported noticing improvements in sleep quality. One happy shopper beamed: 'Bought when they came out a few weeks ago and I take one one hour before bed and definitely have a deeper and longer sleep.' Meanwhile, another added: 'Doesn't send me to sleep quicker, but definitely a deeper sleep!' The popular sleep position doctor warns should be avoided and could be the cause of your back and neck pain A whirlwind two weeks So in an attempt to feel less tired all of the time, I thought I'd see what the fuss was all about. But I can safely say, the past two weeks have been an absolute whirlwind in terms of my sleep. The best sleep routine and environment Thomas Høegh Reisenhus, TEMPUR® sleep specialist & sleep counsellor, reveals the key components of a good bedtime routine and environment... A sure-fire way to facilitate a better night's sleep is to practice good sleep hygiene. Establish a sleep routine that works for you and stick to it. This will help your body establish a consistent, natural sleep-wake cycle which can do wonders for your overall sleep quality. As such, try to avoid making up for lost sleep with a lie-in. Instead of sleeping in, spend your morning reading a book in bed or having a leisurely coffee in the kitchen. Ensure that your bedroom, bedding, and sleepwear are fit for purpose too. The ideal sleep environment is dark, quiet, and cool – much like a cave. If you find unwelcome sources of light are keeping you up, consider investing in an eye mask or black-out curtains. Adding soft furnishings can be a great way to reduce noise, with the surfaces having an absorptive quality, but if this doesn't work, consider embracing a soothing soundtrack to block it out. In terms of temperature, try to keep your bedroom at 18°C. You can further reduce the risk of waking up due to overheating by ensuring that all your bedding and sleepwear is made with natural, breathable materials such as cotton and linen. Bear in mind that everyone is different; what might work for most, may not work for you! Whilst knowing how much sleep you should get, how to overcome common barriers, and practicing good sleep hygiene can facilitate a great night's sleep, if you continue to struggle with sleep or fatigue persistently, do not hesitate to visit a doctor or health professional for support. From hours of tossing and turning to the most vivid dreams I've ever had, it's been bizarre. Despite that, normally I always wake up in the middle of the night, desperate for a wee, but thankfully, there's been none of that. Every night, just before bed, I've been having my dose of one capsule a day. Hours of tossing and turning But rather than 'drift into dream land' as Boots bosses suggest, I found myself tossing and turning for hours. The first two nights after chewing on the gummy, which I have to say is delicious, I battled sleep until the early hours. I put my phone down and was ready to catch some Zs just before 10pm, but by 1am, I was still wide awake. I even resorted to the age-old classic of counting sheep - that's how agonising it was Abby Wilson I'm not someone who normally struggles to get to sleep, or has a brain overflowing with thoughts as soon as they hit the sack, but for some reason, my head was on overdrive. While I typically like to fall asleep to silence, I found myself desperately logging into YouTube and searching for 'sounds to fall asleep to', in the hope that anything would help. Not only this, but I even resorted to the age-old classic of counting sheep - that's how agonising it was. The 'flavoured food supplement' gummies, which are suitable for adults and children aged 12 years and over, contain Griffonia Seed and Lemon Balm Extracts, alongside Vitamin B6, which is said to help you end your day with a clear mind. According to those at Boots, the gummies, which are vegetarian and vegan, are 'believed to help support sleep and relaxation', but I can't say they worked for me. Feeling exhausted Despite two nights of hell, the third night I actually had a decent sleep, but surprisingly, woke up feeling exhausted. But things soon began to pick up as a few days later, I had one of the best sleeps I've had in a long time. Unfortunately, the improvements in my sleep habits didn't seem to last, as on reflection, it appears that in the two weeks of taking these gummies, I've had many more bad nights than good. Not only does my brain appear to go into overdrive as soon as I hit the pillow, but I've never felt so restless, agitated and unsettled as much in my life. Having said that, I do think my sleep is deeper once I'm finally off. The gummies, which are free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives, are DELICIOUS, so much so that I'd be tempted to demolish the whole box in one sitting. Top tips and tricks for winding down for sleep before bed EMILY Robertson, from Mira Showers, shared their top sleep hacks, particularly for during hot weather. Wind down with purpose About an hour before bed, start dimming lights around your home. This signals to your brain that it's time to produce melatonin, your natural sleep hormone. Think of it as helping your body shift gears from "daytime mode" to "sleep mode." Disconnect to reconnect Put away phones, tablets, and laptops at least 30 minutes before bedtime. The blue light from screens tricks your brain into thinking it's still daytime. Instead, try reading a physical book or magazine under soft lighting. Take a warm shower A 10-minute warm shower about an hour before bed helps trigger your body's natural cooling process afterward, which makes falling asleep easier. The gentle warmth also relaxes tight muscles from your day. Try gentle stretching A few simple stretches can release physical tension. Focus on your neck, shoulders, and back - areas where we tend to hold stress. Just 5 minutes can make a big difference. Sip something soothing A small cup of caffeine-free tea like chamomile, lavender, or valerian can be a lovely ritual. Just drink it about an hour before bed so you're not waking up for bathroom trips. They are part of HABI's new range of 15 supplement gummies and taste just like blackcurrant wine gums, an all-time favourite sweet treat of mine. But the mouth-watering taste of these lactose free gummies is not worth the agonising pain of tossing and turning for hours on end. Nor is it worth the burning eyes the next day when I try to concentrate at my desk after getting just four hours of sleep, something that even a coffee can't fix. Joe Thorley-Mitchell, the Director of Boots Brand, said: 'I'm excited to finally be able to reveal HABI, which puts good habits over hype', but I can't say these gummies are a habit I'll be sticking to. I'm a fan of the bold, playful packaging, but for me, I think I'll stick to tuning into ASMR if I can't get a good night's sleep. 'Complete waste of money' And despite the glowing reviews, it turns out I'm not the only one who's struggled to fall asleep since trying these high-street gummies. Other Boots shoppers have been left equally as disappointed by the supplement and many have also claimed that it 'keeps you awake rather than helps you sleep'. One frustrated shopper angrily slammed: 'Does nothing at all, actually kept me waste of money.' Not only this, but a second agreed: 'Doesn't make you sleep faster at all, had no effect on my sleep.' Meanwhile, someone else claimed it had the 'opposite effect' of a deep sleep, just like I experienced, and chimed in: 'Instead of helping me sleep I am instead still wide awake and struggling to sleep four hours after taking one.' For £10, they're not exactly going to break the bank, but you bet I won't be buying these gummies again.
Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Boots' new £10 Habi vitamin range is said to rival Lemme– we have the verdict
Is Habi a UK alternative for viral US brand Lemme? We take a look... Wellness fans, let us introduce you to a new kid on the block– Habi vitamins. Boots has just dropped this own brand of a colourful, and budget-friendly supplements with a TikTok-inspired aesthetic. Designed to slot neatly into your daily self-care routine without breaking the bank, each bottle comes in at £10, which is far cry from the £30+ you'll typically shell out for sought after US brand Lemme by Kourtney Kardashian. Habi is very much wellness with a healthy sprinkle of fun. The packaging is playful, the ingredients are trendy (think ashwagandha, lion's mane and sea moss), and the flavours are very enjoyable– no holding your nose to swallow pills with them. Many think it's also very much taking a leaf out of the Lemme visual playbook, but with a Boots spin: more accessible, more British sensibility and thankfully, much less Hollywood price tag. Available now in stores and online at the range of 15 supplements (each bottle containing 60 chews) covers everything from sleep to skin to gut health. But are they any good? I tried a handful to find out. Let's talk sleep: Habi vs Lemme If you've seen the lavender-hued Lemme Sleep gummies all over social media, you'll know they're famous for their melatonin-powered promise of dreamy slumber. Habi's Sleep gummies look similar and serve a similar purpose, but they don't contain melatonin. Why? Unlike in the US, melatonin isn't an over-the-counter supplement here in the UK, so Habi has taken a different route. Instead, Habi's Bedtime gummies use lemon balm and griffonia seed extract, both traditionally used to promote relaxation and help ease you into a good night's sleep. They taste like juicy blackcurrants and feel more like a gentle nudge towards rest than a full-on knockout dose. If you're someone who wants to improve your wind-down routine without any heavy-hitters, these could be a good option. The full Habi vitamin line-up In the Zone (lion's mane), £10 These orange-flavoured gummies are packed with Lion's Mane mushroom, zinc, vitamin B12 and pantothenic acid – a combo targeted at focus, mental performance and general brainy brilliance. I've picked these up myself, and they're perfect for days when I need a little energy (or, let's be honest, have brain fog to clear). Downtime (magnesium citrate), £10 Red apple gummies that support muscle function and wellbeing. Magnesium is the unsung hero of stress relief, and this version is ideal if you're after a calming effect without the sleep angle. Hey Sunshine (vitamin D), £10 We're in the UK, so naturally we need vitamin D. These zesty lemon-flavoured chews deliver 25µg per serving for healthy bones, muscles and immune support. No chalky tablets here, just sunshine in sweet form. Vitamin D is the one supplement my mum (a former nurse) takes religiously, so I've got into a habit of doing the same, and these Habi chews are a much nicer swap from my usual pill brand. Tummy Turm (turmeric & ginger), £10 Peach-flavoured and anti-inflammatory, this duo is great for digestion and general wellness. The taste is subtle, no spicy ginger kick really, and they're a lovely, soothing option post-meal. I also picked these up as I have trouble digesting nuts and pulses, and so far nothing huge to report, but I know supplements take time to get to work. Go With The Flow (cranberry & vitamin C), £10 For urinary tract health and immune support, these berry-flavoured gummies are a gentle go-to. Think of them as your quiet little internal cheerleaders. I'll be recommending these to my friends, as we all always complain about our urinary tract woes over brunch. Apple Burst (apple cider vinegar), £10 For those of us who can't stomach actual ACV, these red apple gummies are a gift. They include vitamin C and chromium too, for an extra health kick. Bonus points go to the vegan formula, which is apparently quite hard to find in an ACV supplement. Ocean Power (sea moss), £10 Packed with minerals like iodine, potassium and magnesium, these blackcurrant chews aim to deliver the benefits of this buzzy superfood without the fishy taste. You've probably seen people on TikTok take sea moss by the gloopy spoonful, hailing its immune boosting and weight management benefits. I wasn't sold until I saw these in tasy chew form, so I'm delighted I can finally try the ingredient out. Get the Glow (beauty), £10 Hair, skin and nails? Sorted. With biotin, vitamin C and zinc, these berry gummies are ideal for anyone chasing that lit-from-within glow. A Good Hair Day (biotin), £10 A stronger focus on hair health than Get the Glow, these are for the follicularly-focused among us. Biotin-heavy, blackcurrant-flavoured and easy to pop. Zen (ashwagandha), £10 For stress support and mental clarity, these berry-flavoured gummies feature ashwagandha, iodine and pantothenic acid. I found them ideal for stressful deadlines (like writing this piece before the bank holiday weekend!). The Energiser, £10 A tropical twist for anyone who needs a pick-me-up. This one blends 11 vitamins, including B12, for energy and focus. Think morning coffee in gummy form. I, along with many others, struggle with energery levels, so it's a good all-rounder for me. Defence Mode (immunity), £10 With vitamin C and zinc, these berry-flavoured gummies are your new seasonal essential. They're nothing revolutionary, but they do the jobm and taste lovely doing it. All Set (multivitamin), £10 If you want another all-rounder to cover your bases, this is it. Immunity, bones, muscles, energy– a bit of everything, wrapped up in one berry-flavoured bite. If you're also not sure where to start on your supplement journey, this is a good one to pick up. Gut Goodness (inulin), £10 Fibre is often forgotten, but these berry chews with inulin from chicory root are brilliant for digestion and gut health. Great with your morning breakfast routine. Final thoughts? If you've been curious about the TikTok-famous gummy craze but didn't fancy the big price tag or shipping costs, Habi is a genuinely good alternative. It's fun, functional and affordable. Just don't expect a Lemme dupe when it comes to ingredients like melatonin, and you won't be disappointed. It's also worth noting that if you also get a healthy amount of certain vitamins in your diet, like vitamin C and B, you may not see much in the way of results. However, if you're deficient in anything, or for more niche ingredients like ashwagandha and apple cider vinegar, that you wouldn't really get from food, you may spot some benefits with continued use. Chew on that.
