Sleepless, Stressed, and Foggy? This Underrated Supplement Could Be Your Mental Reset

Between late nights, early mornings, and the mental marathon of modern life, cognitive fatigue has become the norm. But one of the most effective brain-supporting nutrients is gaining attention for all the right reasons. Long revered for its athletic benefits, creatine is now stepping into the spotlight for its potential role in brain health—studies have shown that it can help buffer stress, sharpen focus, and counteract the fog that follows poor sleep. In this piece, we explore how creatine supports cognitive function and why it might just be your brain’s new best friend. 

The Female Brain 

From hormonal shifts to the demands of modern life, many women experience changes in focus, mood, and mental resilience across different life stages – especially if they’re juggling career, kids, perimenopause and family (IYKYK). Emerging research suggests that creatine may offer unique cognitive support for women, thanks in part to naturally lower creatine stores in the female brain¹. A review in Nutrients highlighted enhanced mental clarity, mood balance, and resistance to stress and sleep disruption with creatine supplementation¹. Meta-analyses and clinical trials have also shown improvements in memory and attention, with some studies showing these effects are even more pronounced in women². Whether navigating a busy season or simply wanting to stay mentally sharp, creatine is gaining attention as a simple, science-backed addition to women’s cognitive wellness routines¹². 

Sleep Deprivation + Cognitive Performance  

Whether it’s a restless night, travel fatigue, or the demands of a non-stop schedule, sleep loss can seriously impact how we think and function. Emerging research suggests that creatine may help buffer the brain against these dips in mental performance. Studies show that it can support information processing speed and executive function during sleep deprivation, likely by acting as a backup energy source for overworked brain cells³,⁴,⁵,⁶. Notably, a 2024 study found that a single high dose of creatine improved short-term memory and cognitive capacity, with effects lasting several hours³,⁵,⁶. While more research is needed around optimal dosing and long-term use, these findings make creatine a compelling option for anyone juggling a high-demand lifestyle with less-than-perfect sleep. 

Chronic Stress + Mental Resilience  

Modern life doesn’t always offer a pause button — and chronic stress can wear down mental clarity, memory, and emotional balance over time. While human studies are still developing, preclinical research suggests that creatine may help shield the brain from stress-related decline. One 2023 study in animals found that creatine supported memory and synaptic function during prolonged stress exposure, likely by fueling brain energy metabolism and combating oxidative stress⁷. These insights suggest that creatine could play a supportive role in helping the brain stay sharp and adaptable, especially for those navigating long-term psychological or environmental stress¹,⁷. 

Healthy Ageing

As we age, protecting brain health becomes a priority — and creatine may offer meaningful support for cognitive performance in later life. Meta-analyses and clinical trials have reported improvements in memory and processing speed among older adults taking creatine, with the most notable effects seen in individuals aged 66 to 76²,⁴,⁸. Its ability to bolster brain energy and reduce oxidative stress is especially relevant to age-related changes in brain function. While research is ongoing, creatine is emerging as a low-effort addition to a wellness routine for those looking to stay mentally sharp as they age.