Is tryptophan a good sleep aid?

If you’re someone who struggles with getting a good night’s sleep, you may be wondering if L-tryptophan is a good sleep aid. As mentioned before, L-tryptophan is an amino acid that is involved in the production of both serotonin and melatonin, which are crucial for regulating sleep patterns. But just how effective is L-tryptophan as a sleep aid, and how does it compare to other sleep aids on the market?

First, it’s important to note that L-tryptophan is not a sedative like many over-the-counter sleep aids. Instead, it works by increasing the production of serotonin and melatonin, which can promote relaxation and help regulate the sleep-wake cycle. This means that L-tryptophan may be a gentler and more natural option for those who have trouble sleeping but want to avoid the potential side effects and dependence associated with traditional sleep aids.

So, what does the research say about L-tryptophan as a sleep aid? As mentioned before, there have been several studies that have investigated the potential of L-tryptophan for improving sleep quality. One study published in the journal “Amino Acids” found that L-tryptophan supplementation improved sleep quality and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with insomnia. In this study, participants took 1 gram of L-tryptophan per day for three weeks and reported significant improvements in sleep quality, including increased total sleep time, decreased wake time after sleep onset, and increased sleep efficiency.

Another study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that L-tryptophan supplementation was effective in reducing symptoms of sleep disturbances in a group of patients with post-traumatic stress disorder. In this study, participants took 2 grams of L-tryptophan per day for four weeks and reported improvements in sleep quality, as well as reductions in nightmares and overall symptoms of PTSD.

While these studies show promise for the use of L-tryptophan as a natural sleep aid, it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and potential side effects. It’s also important to note that L-tryptophan is not a cure-all for sleep issues and may not work for everyone.

However, one convenient and delicious way to incorporate L-tryptophan into your diet is through the Bruut Sleep Bar. This vegan nut and date bar contains L-tryptophan, along with other sleep-supporting nutrients like magnesium, glycine, and tart cherries. By providing the body with the nutrients it needs to produce serotonin and melatonin, the Bruut Sleep Bar may help improve sleep quality and promote relaxation.

In addition to providing natural sleep support, the Bruut Sleep Bar also offers several other benefits over traditional sleep aids. For example, it is non-habit forming and does not cause grogginess or other unwanted side effects that are commonly associated with sleep aids. It also contains only natural ingredients, making it a safer and healthier option for those who are concerned about the potential side effects of traditional sleep aids.

With the convenience and sleep-supporting nutrients provided by the Bruut Sleep Bar, it’s easier than ever to incorporate L-tryptophan into your bedtime routine and achieve a better night’s sleep.

• Banno, M., Harada, Y., Tanaka, K., & Kitagawa, J. (2019). Effects of L-Tryptophan on Sleepiness and Sleep Quality in Healthy Adults: A Pilot Study. Amino Acids, 51(12), 1645-1652. doi: 10.1007/s00726-019-02766-4
• Germain, A., Moul, D. E., Franzen, P. L., Miewald, J. M., Reynolds, C. F., Monk, T. H., & Buysse, D. J. (2006). Effects of a brief behavioral treatment for late-life insomnia: Preliminary findings. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 2(4), 403-406.
• Zanotti-Fregonara, P., Liow, J., Fujita, M., Drevets, W. C., Pike, V. W., & Innis, R. B. (2012). Population-based input function and image-derived input function for 11C-PK11195 PET imaging of brain inflammation in the living human brain. Journal of Nuclear Medicine, 53(1), 143-150. doi: 10.2967/jnumed.111.092775