Date: 2026-6-18 Click:18 times“Getting a good night’s sleep” has become one of the most basic needs for today’s consumers. According to the China Sleep Research Report 2025, China’s sleep economy market reached RMB 495.58 billion in 2023 and is expected to exceed RMB 658.68 billion by 2027. In 2025, global sales of dietary supplements for sleep support reached USD 4.025 billion, and are projected to grow to USD 7.593 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 9.6%. China’s sleep improvement supplement market is expected to exceed RMB 50 billion in 2026. As the sleep economy continues to heat up, melatonin and GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) remain the two core ingredients at the centre of the market, and dosage form innovation is becoming a key differentiator for brands.
1. Melatonin: The absolute leader in the sleep category
Melatonin currently accounts for the highest share of sales in the sleep supplement market, at 73.54%. From January to November 2025, online sales of melatonin on Douyin (TikTok) reached RMB 544 million, representing 75.2% of the online market share. The main purchasing group is the post 90s and post 00s generations, accounting for over 70% of buyers. Melatonin is listed in China’s Health Food Ingredient Directory, with its health function limited to “improving sleep” and a recommended daily dosage of 1 3 mg. From 1 March 2026, the State Administration for Market Regulation further expanded the available dosage forms for melatonin filing products, adding oral liquids to the filing scope.
2. GABA: A naturally mild ingredient on the rise
As an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, GABA helps relax nerves and relieve stress. It was approved as a new resource food in 2009, with a daily intake limit of no more than 500 mg. From January to October 2025, online sales of GABA products reached RMB 676 million. The global GABA supplement market was valued at approximately USD 48.5 million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 71 million by 2032. GABA, often combined with natural ingredients like jujube seed extract, is gaining rapid traction, with more brands adopting it as a natural alternative to melatonin or in combination formulas.
3. Dosage form innovation: From “taking medicine” to “eating snacks”
Young consumers no longer accept traditional pill forms; snack ification of dosage forms has become a core trend in sleep supplements.
Gummies are the most representative innovative format. The global melatonin sleep gummy market reached USD 365.4 million in 2025 and is projected to grow to USD 642.6 million by 2032. The GABA stress relief gummy market was valued at USD 495 million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 1.025 billion by 2032. Gummies combine portability with a pleasant experience, turning sleep support from a task into an everyday enjoyment.
Oral liquids are another important direction. In 2025, the State Administration for Market Regulation announced that oral liquids would be added to the available dosage forms for melatonin filing products, offering new options for brands. Oral dissolving films, instant powders, and other novel formats are also accelerating their entry into the market.
4. Combination formulas: Customisation for synergistic effects
Single ingredients are no longer enough to meet refined consumer needs; combination products are becoming mainstream. The “melatonin + GABA” pairing accounts for 95% of the sleep supplement market. More advanced combinations include GABA + L theanine + lemon balm, and melatonin + vitamin B6. Combination products are growing rapidly, satisfying consumers’ demand for more comprehensive health solutions.
5. Recommendations for OEM clients
First, dosage form choice determines market entry. Gummies and oral liquids are currently the fastest growing formats, especially favoured by young consumers. Gummy production requires supporting gummy candy processing technology, while oral liquids require attention to flavour formulation and stability.
Second, combination formulas create differentiation. Single ingredient melatonin or GABA products are already highly homogenised. We recommend developing multi target combinations such as “melatonin + GABA + L theanine,” or exploring melatonin free formulas like “GABA + herbal extracts” to address the specific needs of different consumer segments.
Third, stay aware of regulatory developments. Melatonin filing products can now use new dosage forms such as oral liquids, but note that melatonin is currently only allowed to be combined with vitamin B6 in filing applications. As a new resource food, GABA is not permitted in foods for infants and young children, and the daily intake must not exceed 500 mg.
Fourth, flexible production for multi SKU demands. Sleep supplement consumption is notably seasonal – autumn and winter together account for 56% of melatonin sales. Brands need OEM partners with flexible manufacturing capabilities for small batches and frequent runs, to handle both peak season surges and off season inventory management.
As a source manufacturer with 18 years of production experience, we specialise in OEM/ODM custom services across softgels, hard capsules, tablets, and powders, and we are expanding into emerging formats like gummies and oral liquids to keep pace with market trends. From single ingredient filing for melatonin/GABA to combination formula development, we provide one stop solutions to help brand clients capture the blue ocean of the sleep economy.
Disclaimer: Health food is not a medicine and cannot be used to treat diseases.
