5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), commonly found in an African shrub, is an amino acid that serves as a precursor for the biosynthesis of serotonin and melatonin in the brain from the other amino acid tryptophan.
5-HTP is used in medicine for sleep disorders such as insomnia, depression, anxiety, migraine and tension-type headaches, fibromyalgia, obesity, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), seizure disorder, and Parkinson's disease.
5-HTP works in the brain and central nervous system by increasing the production of the chemical serotonin. Serotonin can affect sleep, appetite, temperature, sexual behavior, and pain sensation. Since 5-HTP increases the synthesis of serotonin, it is used for several diseases where serotonin is believed to play an important role including depression, insomnia, obesity, and many other conditions.
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An ingredient found in tea, L-theanine is the key reason behind tea’s ability to smooth out and calm the caffeine’s speedy, jolting punch of energy without reducing its accompanying mind-energizing, focus-building, and fat-burning features. It relaxes the body and calms the mind without causing drowsiness – a feature that has been found to improve sleep quality in volunteers during a study performed in Japan.
The subjects were given 200 mg of theanine daily and wore devices around their wrists that recorded sleep patterns. The L-theanine didn’t cause the subjects to sleep longer, but it did cause them to sleep better. Recovery from exhaustion, sleep quality, and refreshed feelings were all enhanced – making the subjects feel like they had slept longer than they actually had.
Another benefit of L-theanine is that it leaves people in a better mood – improving the volume of amino acids, elevating seratonin and suppressing glucocorticoids – stress hormones that can play a role in depression as well as negatively affect memory and learning.
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