Tell me about GABA
Sources:
GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain with various functions regarding sleep and the nervous system. Here are some insights from :
- GABA is naturally occurring in the brain, acting as a sort of sedative. It's part of a neurotransmitter system that can be influenced by various substances to impact sleep and relaxation 1.
- GABA supplementation can be used to help with sleep. For example, taking a gram of GABA and glycine can be a heavy hit that might aid sleep when having difficulty 2. However, does not recommend taking GABA chronically as it is a neurotransmitter, and there might be concerns about manipulating brain chemistry directly unless there's a clinical need 3.
- In the context of sleep supplementation, taking GABA every night is not recommended. It should be taken intermittently to avoid potential issues 4.
- Progesterone, which can affect sleep, crosses the blood-brain barrier and acts as a GABA agonist, similar to how GABA itself promotes sleep 5.
- Other natural agents can indirectly affect GABA activity, such as theanine, which activates the GABA system 6.
Overall, GABA plays a crucial role in the regulation of neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system, and the manipulation of GABA receptors and related pathways can have profound effects on sleep and relaxation.
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