I think it's past the research chemical stage, but, yes, it's somewhat similar to benzodiazepines and I strongly recommend people not take it or any other GABAergic often. I'd very strongly recommend people not try to take phenibut to improve sleep.

This is why I was merely giving an anecdote of what it feels like when I'm very well-rested rather than suggesting a solution, and why I didn't want to name the substance in my anecdote. I'm still struggling with sleep quality. If I could just take a lot of phenibut all the time, I wouldn't have an issue, but I know I really shouldn't take it often, so I don't. (In part because I know I'd have an issue again once tolerance builds, in addition to some new issues.)

(Personally, weed makes it much, much harder for me to sleep.)

You should be careful with how you use melatonin, too, though: https://slatestarcodex.com/2018/07/10/melatonin-much-more-th..., https://slatestarcodex.com/2018/07/12/did-a-melatonin-patent...