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Supplements for Better Sleep
When it comes to natural sleep aids and relaxation support, we tend to think of melatonin. As helpful as this supplement can be, it can cause morning grogginess in some people. Thankfully, there are many other nutraceuticals well shown to support relaxation and healthy sleep.
Beyond melatonin, natural amino acids can help us relax and improve sleep
Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)
The balance of the neurotransmitters glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the central nervous system plays an important role in the brain’s excitability.[1] An appropriate balance of excitation and inhibition is necessary for healthy sleep, a balanced mood, memory, and other cognitive processes. Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter while GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter. Lower GABA concentrations have been shown to be associated with poor sleep quality and have been demonstrated in individuals with major depressive disorder and anxiety.[2],[3],[4] GABA also helps to reduce the response to fear or anxiety-provoking stimuli.[5] Many sedatives bind or stimulate GABA receptors, reinforcing the importance of this neurotransmitter for sleep.[6]
In people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), significantly lower GABA levels have been observed in a region of the brain known as the anterior cingulate cortex, an area associated with decision making, emotion, and impulse control.
In people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), significantly lower GABA levels have been observed in a region of the brain known as the anterior cingulate cortex, an area associated with decision making, emotion, and impulse control.[7] Additionally, the lower the GABA levels, the more common the impulsivity behaviors were. Glutamate, on the other hand, has been shown to be twice as high in children with ADHD, tipping the balance to that of an excitatory state.[8] Supplemental administration of GABA has been shown to significantly increase alpha wave patterns in humans, accompanied by reduced levels of anxiety.[9],[10] Alpha waves predominantly occur during wakeful relaxation, and are present during activities such as meditation.[11] Orally, GABA is usually well tolerated but some may experience side effects such as nausea, tiredness, and a mild decrease in blood pressure at higher dosages.[12],[13]
Although the ability of supplemental GABA to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) under normal conditions is questionable, there is evidence of a specialized GABA transporter in the BBB.[14] There also are many settings in which the permeability of the BBB is increased, including with exposure to inflammatory agents such as histamine and bradykinin.[15] It also has been proposed that the effects seen clinically with GABA are due to the binding of receptors in the nervous system within the digestive tract, and are modulated by the vagus nerve.[16] Additionally, liposomal delivery systems may facilitate transport across the BBB and increase availability of therapeutic agents in the central nervous system.[17]
L-theanine
Green tea is well known for its high amounts of antioxidants, particularly one known as epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG. However, green tea also contains a high amount of an amino acid known as L-theanine.
Studies have shown that L-theanine increases alpha-wave activity in the brain,[18] as well as the levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and GABA.[19],[20] L-theanine has been shown to protect the nervous system,[21],[22] and to increase the levels of the antioxidant glutathione as well as its recycling enzymes under stressful settings.[23] It has also been shown to support the growth of new nerves and new pathways in the brain.[24]
L-theanine continues to be studied for the impacts it may have on learning and memory, attention, mood, and even other mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, and has been shown to be well tolerated.
Clinically, supplementation with L-theanine has been shown to have a relaxing effect, reducing anxiety as well as heart rate and blood pressure in acute stressful events and during mentally challenging tasks.[25],[26],[27] L-theanine has been shown to reduce subjective experiences of stress and salivary α-amylase activity, a marker of sympathetic nervous system activity and the “fight or flight” response, during academic challenges.[28] At a dosage of 200 mg daily, L-theanine has been shown to significantly reduce emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, including irritability, anger, mood swings, and crying.[29] In children with ADHD, L-theanine has also been shown to improve sleep quality and has been studied and found safe to be used for this purpose at doses of 200 mg twice daily.[30] L-theanine continues to be studied for the impacts it may have on learning and memory, attention, mood, and even other mental health conditions such as schizophrenia,[31] and has been shown to be well tolerated.
5-Hydroxytryptophan
5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid produced in the body from the essential amino acid tryptophan. 5-HTP is the immediate precursor to serotonin, which converts to melatonin. The enzyme 5-hydroxytryptophan decarboxylase converts 5-HTP to serotonin and requires vitamin B6 (pyridoxine).[32],[33] 5-HTP is well absorbed orally, and easily crosses the blood brain barrier.[34]
In children, at a dosage of 2 mg/kg at bedtime, 5-HTP has been shown to significantly reduce the occurrence of night terrors, with no negative side effects.
In children, at a dosage of 2 mg/kg at bedtime, 5-HTP has been shown to significantly reduce the occurrence of night terrors, with no negative side effects.[35] In another study done in children, 5-HTP was found to improve sleep, particularly by reducing the number of night-time awakenings.[36] In adults with normal healthy sleep, 5-HTP was observed to increase rapid eye movement (REM) portion of sleep, implying more restorative rest.[37]
5-HTP has been studied in different settings of acute anxiety and shown to significantly reduce the reaction to panic challenge in patients with panic disorders.[38] In patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders, supplementation with 5-HTP led to a moderate reduction of symptoms as measured by various common tools used to assess anxiety.[39] The combination of GABA and L-theanine has also been studied and shown to significantly improve sleep quality as compared to administration of either individually.[40],[41] Long-term administration also was observed to increase levels of GABA and its receptor.
Side effects that can occur with higher dosages of 5-HTP can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. 5-HTP conversion to serotonin peripherally has the potential to increase gut motility. Because of its effects on serotonin production, it is probably safest to avoid combining 5-HTP-containing supplements with tricyclic antidepressants, monoaminoxidase inhibitors,[42] selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs),[43] until more large-scale studies demonstrate the safety of combining 5-HTP with these medications.
Click here to see References
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[2] Meyerhoff DJ, et al. Cortical gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate in posttraumatic stress disorder and their relationships to self-reported sleep quality. Sleep. 2014;37(5):893-900.
[3] Pehrson AL, Sanchez C. Altered γ-aminobutyric acid neurotransmission in major depressive disorder: a critical review of the supporting evidence and the influence of serotonergic antidepressants. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2015;9:603-24.
[4] Rosso IM, et al. Insula and anterior cingulate GABA levels in posttraumatic stress disorder: preliminary findings using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Depress Anxiety. 2014;31(2):115-23.
[5] Etkin A, Wager TD. Functional neuroimaging of anxiety: a meta-analysis of emotional processing in PTSD, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobia. Am J Psychiatry. 2007;164(10):1476-88.
[6] Gottesmann C. GABA mechanisms and sleep. Neuroscience. 2002;111(2):231-9.
[7] Ende G, et al. Impulsivity and Aggression in Female BPD and ADHD Patients: Association with ACC Glutamate and GABA Concentrations. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2016 Jan;41(2):410-8.
[8] Gilgun, JF. The NEATS: A Child & Family Assessment. Creat Space Publishing, USA, 2011.
[9] Abdou AM, et al. Relaxation and immunity enhancement effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration in humans. Biofactors. 2006;26(3):201-8.
[10] Yoto A, et al. Oral intake of γ-aminobutyric acid affects mood and activities of central nervous system during stressed condition induced by mental tasks. Amino Acids. 2012;43(3):1331-7.
[11] Khare KC, Nigam SK. A study of electroencephalogram in meditators. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2000;44(2):173-8.
[12] Loeb C, et al. Preliminary evaluation of the effect of GABA and phosphatidylserine in epileptic patients. Epilepsy Res. 1987 May;1(3):209-12.
[13] Inoue K, et al. Blood-pressure-lowering effect of a novel fermented milk containing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in mild hypertensives. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2003 Mar;57(3):490-5.
[14] Kakee A, et al. Efflux of a suppressive neurotransmitter, GABA, across the blood-brain barrier. J Neurochem. 2001;79(1):110-8.
[15] Abbott NJ. Inflammatory mediators and modulation of blood-brain barrier permeability. Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2000 Apr;20(2):131-47.
[16] Boonstra E, et al. Neurotransmitters as food supplements: the effects of GABA on brain and behavior. Front Psychol. 2015;6:1520.
[17] Alyautdin R, et al. Nanoscale drug delivery systems and the blood-brain barrier. Int J Nanomedicine. 2014;9:795-811
[18] Nobre AC, et al. L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17 Suppl 1:167-8.
[19] Nathan PJ, et al. The neuropharmacology of L-theanine(N-ethyl-L-glutamine): a possible neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing agent. J Herb Pharmacother. 2006;6(2):21-30.
[20] Yokogoshi H, et al. Effect of theanine, r-glutamylethylamide, on brain monoamines and striatal dopamine release in conscious rats. Neurochem Res. 1998;23(5):667-73.
[21] Takeshima M, Miyazaki I, Murakami S, et al. l-Theanine protects against excess dopamine-induced neurotoxicity in the presence of astrocytes. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2016 Sep;59(2):93-99.
[22] Kakuda T. Neuroprotective effects of theanine and its preventive effects on cognitive dysfunction. Pharmacol Res. 2011 Aug;64(2):162-8.
[23] Tian X, et al. Protective effect of l-theanine on chronic restraint stress-induced cognitive impairments in mice. Brain Res. 2013 Mar 29;1503:24-32.
[24] Wakabayashi C, et al. Behavioral and molecular evidence for psychotropic effects in L-theanine. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2012;219(4):1099-109.
[25] Lu K, et al. The acute effects of L-theanine in comparison with alprazolam on anticipatory anxiety in humans. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2004;19(7):457-65.
[26] Kimura K, et al. L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses. Biol Psychol. 2007;74(1):39-45.
[27] Yoto A, et al. Effects of L-theanine or caffeine intake on changes in blood pressure under physical and psychological stresses. J Physiol Anthropol. 2012;31:28.
[28] Unno K, et al. Anti-stress effect of theanine on students during pharmacy practice: Positive correlation among salivary α-amylase activity, trait anxiety and subjective stress. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2013;111:128-35.
[29] Timmcke JQ, et al. Efficacy and Short-Term Safety of L-Theanine in Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group Study. The FASEB Journal. 2008 Apr 1;22 (Supplement).
[30] Lyon MR, Kapoor MP, Juneja LR. The effects of L-theanine (Suntheanine®) on objective sleep quality in boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Altern Med Rev. 2011;16(4):348-54.
[31] Lardner AL. Neurobiological effects of the green tea constituent theanine and its potential role in the treatment of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Nutr Neurosci. 2014 Jul;17(4):145-55.
[32] Hartvig P, et al. Pyridoxine effect on synthesis rate of serotonin in the monkey brain measured with positron emission tomography. J Neural Transm Gen Sect. 1995;102(2):91-7.
[33] Rahman MK, et al. Effect of pyridoxal phosphate deficiency on aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase activity with L-DOPA and L-5-hydroxytryptophan as substrates in rats. Jpn J Pharmacol. 1982 Oct;32(5):803-11.
[34] Birdsall TC. 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor. Altern Med Rev. 1998 Aug;3(4):271-80.
[35] Bruni O, et al. L-5-Hydroxytryptophan treatment of sleep terrors in children. Eur J Pediatr. 2004 Jul;163(7):402-7.
[36] De Giorgis G, et al. Headache in association with sleep disorders in children: a psychodiagnostic evaluation and controlled clinical study–L-5-HTP versus placebo. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1987;13(7):425-33.
[37] Wyatt RJ, et al. Effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan on the sleep of normal human subjects. Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol. 1971 Jun;30(6):505-9.
[38] Schruers K, et al. Acute L-5-hydroxytryptophan administration inhibits carbon dioxide-induced panic in panic disorder patients. Psychiatry Res. 2002 Dec 30;113(3):237-43.
[39] Kahn RS, et al. Effect of a serotonin precursor and uptake inhibitor in anxiety disorders; a double-blind comparison of 5-hydroxytryptophan, clomipramine and placebo. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 1987 Jan;2(1):33-45.
[40] Hong KB, et al. Sleep-promoting effects of a GABA/5-HTP mixture: Behavioral changes and neuromodulation in an invertebrate model. Life Sci. 2016 Apr 1;150:42-9.
[41] Hong KB, et al. Sleep-promoting effects of the GABA/5-HTP mixture in vertebrate models. Behav Brain Res. 2016 Sep 1;310:36-41.
[42] Nicolodi M, Sicuteri F. Fibromyalgia and migraine, two faces of the same mechanism. Serotonin as the common clue for pathogenesis and therapy. Adv Exp Med Biol. 1996;398:373-9.
[43] Meltzer H, et al. Fluoxetine, but not tricyclic antidepressants, potentiates the 5-hydroxytryptophan-mediated increase in plasma cortisol and prolactin secretion in subjects with major depression or with obsessive compulsive disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology. 1997 Jul;17(1):1-11.
The information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult your physician or healthcare provider if you have specific questions before instituting any changes in your daily lifestyle including changes in diet, exercise, and supplement use.
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Dr. Carrie Decker
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