Waking Up Tired? Try This Natural Sleep Supplement

Sleep is important to all aspects of our well-being, from ourselves feelings and brain functions in our immune system, heart health and more. As important as a good night’s sleep is, many Americans struggle with insomnia. If you have tried night yoganewspaper, melatonin and every sleep remedy in the book, and you still won’t look like you’re knocking at night, there’s a supplement you might consider trying.

Add gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA.

It is an amino acid, found naturally in the body, that promotes a calming effect. GABA is often thought of as a dietary supplement, but there is anecdotal evidence that it may be a better sleep aid than melatonin. It only affects the first stages of sleep and makes you feel more alert in the morning as a result (some people say that common sleep supplements like melatonin makes him groggy). Although there is limited research, small studies have produced positive results showing that GABA may help you when you are struggling to sleep.

Here’s what we know about GABA, tips on taking it and why it can be an effective sleep aid worth considering.

For more help getting a good night’s sleep, try these seven natural sleep aids for insomniaand how to create the perfect environment for sleep.

What is GABA?

GABA is a neurotransmitter found naturally in the brain and in other foods such as tomatoes and soybeans. It is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that inhibits chemical signals in the central nervous system and reduces brain activity. GABA can help promote calmness in the body and helps manage nervous tension when you feel nervous, anxious or stressed.

It is sold over the counter as a dietary supplement, but GABA’s effects can also benefit those who have trouble sleeping.

Taking GABA for sleep

Taken alone or with other natural sleep aids, GABA supplements help deal with anxiety, stress and brain overload, the three main culprits that make it difficult to fall asleep. Its calming effect puts the mind in a relaxed state, so you’re in the right head position to fall asleep.

Low levels of GABA are actually linked to insomnia, as one study found that participants with insomnia had 30% lower levels of GABA in their system. A small study by Frontiers in Neuroscience involving middle-aged adults found that taking 300 mg of GABA before bed for at least a week can reduce sleep latency (the amount of time it takes sleep).

There is no conclusive evidence that GABA promotes better sleep (quality of sleep and slow sleep), but research results have shown that it can promote sleep as it affects early stages of sleep. Another advantage is that it won’t make you feel drowsy the next morning like other over-the-counter medications like ZzzQuil or prescription sleep medications.

Tips for taking GABA to help sleep

1. GABA can be taken as a supplement or powder in your diet.

2. Take GABA 30 to 60 minutes before bed for the best results (as shown by studies).

3. Follow the dosage instructions and watch how much and how often you take GABA.

4. Use a sleep journal to record the quality of your sleep so you can identify trends and potential side effects while tracking GABA effectiveness.

5. GABA is found naturally in fermented foods such as kimchi, sourdough, sake and mulberry beer.

6. Always consult your doctor before taking GABA or any new supplements.

Is it safe to take GABA every night?

According to the Sleep Foundation, there are no serious side effects when you take GABA in small doses from bedtime or as a dietary supplement, although some consumers have reported stomachaches or headaches. High levels of GABA in the brain are associated with daytime sleepiness, and a small number of people report drowsiness after taking GABA.

People at high risk of developing a negative reaction to GABA include:

• People get pregnant
• People under the age of 18
• Those taking prescriptions for high blood pressure
• Those taking anti-cold medications

Other benefits of GABA: depression and anxiety

While the research is still limited, many facts support GABA as stress and anxiety the error continues to appear. Reducing anxiety and stress before bed should not be taken lightly, as it can significantly affect sleep latency and overall sleep quality.

As you should with any new supplement, consult your doctor before taking GABA, especially if it is taken along with other medications or prescriptions.