Does Melatonin Make You Dizzy? A Better Natural Sleep Aid May Be GABA

You toss and turn all night and wake up feeling groggy. Maybe you’ve already tried using one new pillow Even though it had better neck support, I still found it impossible to get a good night’s sleep. Maybe melatonin isn’t working for you either. Many Americans are interested in this insomniaand the effects can be serious. Not only can lack of sleep affect your life mode; It can also impair brain function and even weaken your brain. immune system.

The possible causes and solutions for this inability to rest may seem endless, but before taking drastic measures, adding a sleep aid supplement to your nightly routine is an inexpensive and often effective treatment. If you like typical solutions yoga, journaling or melatonin If it doesn’t work, consider trying this alternative supplement.

Enter gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA.

It is an amino acid that is naturally found in the body and provides a calming effect. GABA is often taken as a dietary supplement, but it has a track record that suggests it may be a good sleep aid alternative to melatonin. It only affects the early sleep stages and, as a result, makes you feel more alert in the morning (some people say popular sleep supplements such as: melatonin makes them woozy). Although there is limited research, small studies have shown positive results indicating that GABA may be worth trying. I’m having trouble falling asleep.

Here’s what we know about GABA, tips for taking it, and why it might be a suitable sleep aid to consider.

For more help with quality rest, try these Seven natural sleep aids against insomnia and how to Create the perfect environment for sleep.

What is GABA?

GABA is a neurotransmitter It is found naturally in the brain and in some foods, such as tomatoes and soybeans. It is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that blocks chemical signals in the central nervous system and reduces brain activity. GABA can help promote calmness in the body and help regulate nerve cell hyperactivity when you feel fearful, anxious, or stressed.

It is available over-the-counter as a dietary supplement, but the effects of GABA may also benefit those who have trouble falling asleep.

taking GABA for sleep

GABA supplements, taken alone or with other natural sleep aids, help with this problem. anxiety, stress and overactive brainThree 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 headspace to fall asleep.

Low GABA levels have actually been linked to sleep deprivation. a study Participants with insomnia were found to have 30% lower levels of GABA in their systems. another one small scale work A study by Frontiers in Neuroscience involving middle-aged adults found that taking 300 mg of GABA before bed for at least one week could reduce sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep).

There is no concrete evidence to show that GABA helps sleep efficiency (sleep quality and slow-wave sleep), but the results of the study showed that it may increase sleepiness because it affects the early sleep stages. Another benefit is that it will not leave you with any emotions. sleepy the next morning Like other over-the-counter medications like ZzzQuil or prescription sleep aids.

Tips for taking GABA to help sleep

1. GABA can be taken as a supplement or powder at dinner.

2. For best results, take GABA 30 to 60 minutes before bed (as studies show).

3. Follow dosage instructions and keep track of the amount and how often you take GABA.

4. Use a sleep diary to document your sleep quality so you can identify patterns and possible side effects as you monitor the effectiveness of GABA.

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

6. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking GABA or any new supplement.

Is it safe to take GABA every night?

According to the Sleep Foundation, no serious side effects occur when taking GABA in small doses from sleep or dietary supplements, although some consumers have reported feeling stomach aches or headaches. High levels of GABA in the brain are linked to daytime sleepiness, and a small number of people report experiencing drowsiness after taking GABA.

People at higher risk of reacting negatively to GABA include:

• pregnant people
• persons under 18 years of age
• People using prescriptions for high blood pressure
• People using anti-seizure medication

Other benefits of GABA: stress and anxiety relief

Although research is still limited, more data continues to emerge supporting GABA as a stress and anxiety reliever. Relieving anxiety and stress before bed should not be taken lightly because it can significantly impact your sleep. sleep latency and overall sleep quality.

• A study from 2012 It showed that after taking GABA for 30 minutes, it helped reduce stress in participants.
• Low GABA levels can cause: anxiety and depression It is common in individuals with mental health conditions.
• Chlorella supplements contain high doses of GABA, as the neurotransmitter has been shown to lower blood pressure.

As you should with any new supplement, check with your doctor before taking GABA, especially when taken with other medications or prescriptions.