Preyahathai Aroonvanichporn NIST International School
DREAMIE: A Functional Beverage for Natural Sleep Enhancement
Author 1:
Preyahathai Aroonvanichporn, NIST international school
Abstract:
Sleep deprivation among students and young adults in Thailand has become a growing concern, with over 60% of university students experiencing poor sleep quality due to stress, irregular routines, and overreliance on stimulants. Existing sleep aids, including melatonin supplements and sedatives, pose risks of dependency and disrupted circadian rhythms. DREAMIE is a natural, science-backed sleep-enhancing beverage developed to address these issues by targeting the gut-brain axis—a novel approach in sleep science. Its formulation incorporates phenolic compounds, Fructo-Oligosaccharides (FOS), and GABA to support deep sleep without causing drowsiness or addiction. Phenolic compounds reduce oxidative stress and inflammation while enhancing neurotransmitter regulation, particularly serotonin and GABA. FOS promotes a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn improves neurotransmitter synthesis, reinforcing the connection between digestive and neural pathways. Unlike conventional sleep drinks that induce temporary sedation, DREAMIE improves overall sleep architecture and sleep sustainability. Testing our innovation with friends and lab researchers alongside feedback from student focus groups suggest high acceptability, ease of use, and positive sleep outcomes even among those with mild to moderate insomnia. By offering a compact and accessible format tailored to student lifestyles, DREAMIE bridges the gap between functional health and convenience. Its production leverages sustainable, natural and locally-sourced ingredients such as banana stems, an agricultural waste, as well as eco-conscious packaging, aligning with growing consumer demand for sustainability. This abstract outlines the conceptual development, scientific basis, and initial feedback of DREAMIE, laying the groundwork for larger-scale trials and regulatory registration. DREAMIE represents a promising innovation in the Thai functional beverage market, with the potential to reshape how sleep health is managed in young populations.
Keywords: sleep enhancement, gut-brain axis, functional beverage, GABA, phenolic compounds