Role of tryptophan in sleep?
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Tryptophan plays a central role in sleep primarily due to its function as a precursor to serotonin, a key neurotransmitter that regulates various brain functions including mood and sleep. explains that tryptophan, once consumed, can lead to increases in serotonin production in the body and brain. However, when this process is artificially boosted through supplements like 5-HTP or tryptophan, despite an initial potential to fall asleep easily, it might disrupt the normal architecture of sleep. This disruption can manifest as awakening in the middle of the night and a subsequent inability to fall back asleep, which, in some cases, may even affect sleep on the following night 1.
Additionally, has noted that leveraging tryptophan-rich foods naturally could enhance not just the serotonin levels but also the overall mood and well-being without the disruptive effects seen with concentrated doses from supplements 2. The timing and modulation of serotonin during the sleep cycle are critical; improper modulation, such as that which might occur with supplementation, could interfere with the natural stages of sleep, particularly REM sleep. This is because the brain needs to carefully control the presence of serotonin and other neuromodulators to correctly navigate between the different phases of sleep 3.
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