5-HTP is a natural supplement that raises serotonin levels in the brain, aiding in relaxation and sleep. It is a popular alternative to prescription medication for mild to moderate depression and has few side effects.
The connection between 5-HTP and sleep involves the action of the supplement to raise serotonin levels in the brain by acting as a serotonin precursor. Serotonin is often referred to as the “feel good” hormone that helps with anxiety and depression and therefore aids in relaxation and sleep. Although other lifestyle changes can be made to increase serotonin, such as including tryptophan-rich foods, getting enough sunlight during the day, or exercising, 5-HTP is a very popular supplement for providing instant effects. 5-HTP and sleep have connections that have been well documented by the scientific community, and 5-HTP is fairly safe for most people.
A natural sleep aid works with the body’s natural hormones that help influence and induce the sleep process, while at the same time doing little damage to the body. The hormones most closely related to sleep are serotonin and melatonin, and each works together throughout the day to help alleviate symptoms of depression and nervousness. By relieving anxiety and calming the body, many people experiencing low levels of this hormone use serotonin to help them fall asleep. Tryptophan, a naturally occurring amino acid found in large amounts in foods like turkey and chicken, is a precursor for serotonin and is also a close relative of 5-HTP.
5-HTP is a substance extracted from the seed pods of the West African plant Grifffolia simplicifolia, and is a natural precursor to the hormone serotonin. As the Food and Drug Administration prohibits the sale of tryptophan as a supplement, the 5-HTP buzz and sleep induction is very popular in natural supplement circles. Research has shown that 5-HTP and sleep are closely related, as 5-HTP significantly aids in the production of serotonin. Because this hormone helps relieve anxiety symptoms and helps calm the mind and body, many people with mild to moderate depressive symptoms take this supplement to avoid prescription medications.
Side effects of taking 5-HTP include curbing your appetite and, although rare, mild gastrointestinal upset. Because 5-HTP can curb appetite, it also holds promise for weight control, but should not be used to help alleviate depression in people with anorexia, as this could further decrease weight. The connections between 5-HTP and sleep induction are quite strong in the scientific literature, but as always should be addressed by a physician with experience in dietary supplements.
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