Nearly Half of Women 45+ Would Prefer More Sleep to More Sex

11/Nov/2003

New Survey Also Shows Sleep is Most Important Menopause Symptom

CHATSWORTH, Calif. - (November 11, 2003--Natrol Inc. Nasdaq:NTOL), In a new national survey of women over age forty-five, eighty-seven percent reported experiencing sleep problems, indicating sleep as the most important menopause symptom they would like to relieve. The women conveyed that sleep problems affect their energy levels (66%), concentration (54%), and motivation (50%) - so much so, that nearly half (47)% said they would rather get more sleep than sex (29% don't know which they would prefer).

The nationally random survey was designed to uncover challenges faced by menopausal women, following conflicting news on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to treat symptoms and potential health effects.† Conducted by independent research firm, IMR MarketEffect, the survey was sponsored by Natrol, Inc., maker of Complete Balance AM/PM for Menopause.

Sleep disturbance is a known side effect of menopause.1 Other top symptoms women would like to avoid are hot flashes (43%) and weight gain (37%). Additional complaints include headaches, night sweats, mood swings and joint pain.

85% Report at Least One Menopause Symptom -- Only 15% on HRT

"Since it can affect hormone balance and aggravate symptoms such as mood swings, energy and body weight, occasional sleep disturbance is a major concern for menopausal women," said Sherry Torkos, BSc Phm, pharmacist and author of 'Breaking the Age Barrier'. "The symptoms can be managed, but women need to take greater initiative to learn about their options."

Most Haven't Explored Alternatives

  • While 85% of women surveyed said they had experienced at least one menopausal symptom, less than half requested treatment from a physician, only 17% consulted with a pharmacist, and only 19% consulted with an alternative treatment expert.
  • Although 15% said they were currently taking prescription HRT, 69% said they had not explored other alternatives.
  • Over 63% of the women surveyed were somewhat to extremely concerned about sleep disorders affecting their quality of life, only 39% had reported sleep problems to a physician.
  • While 73% have heard of melatonin, only 22% have tried it to help improve sleep.
  • Only 23% said they take nutritional supplements to help relieve menopause symptoms

"Women can take control of their health and well-being, by better educating themselves," said Torkos. "For example, pharmacists in the US are a very under-utilized resource - in particular, they can provide important information about the efficacy, safety, and proper use of nutritional supplements."

Complete Balance AM/PM provides a unique combination of nutrients that have individually been shown to help alleviate hot flashes, provide mood support, reduce night sweats and assist in providing a good night's rest .** It includes essential nutrients such as calcium and B vitamins, as well as soy isoflavones and black cohosh.** Complete Balance AM/PM is the only leading nutritional supplement for menopause that contains melatonin to promote healthy sleep patterns.**

Natrol, Inc. provides consumers with innovative, convenient and high quality nutritional products. Natrol researches and sources the highest quality ingredients available and adheres to The National Nutritional Foods Association Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Natrol recommends its products be taken as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle and suggests checking with your doctor before taking any new products.

Complete Balance is available at retail outlets nationwide including select health food stores. For more information, consumers may contact Natrol at 800-2-NATROL (800-262-8765) or visit www.natrol.com. Complimentary product samples are available to the first 10,000 women who request them at www.completebalance.us.

(1) NIH National Center for Sleep Disorders Research

**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

†FDA, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health, www.fda.gov/womens/menopause

The statements made in this press release which are not historical facts including statements regarding expectations for future growth of revenue and profits and trends concerning net sales, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. As a result of a number of factors, including the factors that Natrol may not currently foresee, Natrol's actual results could differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Certain factors that might cause Natrol's actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward- looking statements include those factors set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" in Natrol's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 and in Natrol's other filings with Securities and Exchange Commission. Natrol does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events occurring after the date of this press release.

Contact:
Natrol Inc., Chatsworth
Sue Preziotti, (646) 495-3140
suep@sp-pr.com