L-THEANINE

Because you want to relax, but aren’t ready for bed. L-Theanine is a unique amino acid because unlike its counterparts, it is not used to form proteins or enzymes, and cannot be found readily in the diet. The main dietary source of L-Theanine is green and black tea, though the amount consumed by an individual on a daily basis is not usually enough to provide a therapeutic effect. It’s structure is similar to glutamine and easily crosses the blood-brain barrier so it can work directly on the central nervous system. 

It is most well known and researched for its ability to promote relaxation and fight stress and anxiety without the typical sedation side effect experienced with most other supplements with similar benefits. It can increase dopamine and GABA receptors in the brain which essentially means it can help to slow down the feelings of fear and stress when neurons become over excited. 

Interestingly, it has also demonstrated an ability to improve concentration and focus and may show some benefit in individuals who have stressful jobs that require high levels of cognitive functioning, or require sustained attention over prolonged periods of time. 

If you tend to be one of those people who lie awake at night running through tomorrow’s To Do list, or tossing and turning with worry, L-theanine may help lull you into the restful sleep you deserve. While it doesn’t cause drowsiness like many other sleep aids, it can help to reduce the stress and anxiety that is keeping you up at night. It can be part of a treatment plan for someone with moderate to severe insomnia, though we recommend working with your primary care provider to determine the root cause of your sleeping troubles.