Sleep Better With L-theanine
Nothing beats a good sleep.
When you're well-rested, starting the day full of energy with a great mood comes naturally. Plus, it's much more likely that you will be alert and focused throughout the day.
But when you have trouble sleeping? It's the exact opposite.
You feel grumpy, tired, and restless. Eventually, you become sluggish and your productivity suffers.
If you're wondering what causes your sleep problems and how to solve them, keep reading.
What Causes Sleep Problems?
Many factors can contribute to sleep problems. Regardless of the cause, the end result of not getting enough sleep is daytime sleepiness and poor quality of life.
Sleep problems can be caused by:
- Environmental issues such as poor sleeping environment, a room that is too bright, or too much screen time before bed.
- Medical problems such as depression, anxiety, or taking medications
- Physical factors such as body pain, late-night snacking, or working night shift
- Genetics and aging
When you don't get enough sleep, it's more than just feeling tired. Poor sleep impairs cognitive function and can lead to slower reaction times, inability to focus, and memory impairment. Insufficient sleep also increases your risk of developing diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and depression.
This is why it's essential that you are getting adequate sleep as it is vital to your health and overall wellbeing.
Recently, there's an uptick in interest in L-theanine, which has been shown to aid in better sleep and relaxation. Before we deep dive into its sleep benefits, let's first discuss what L-theanine is.
What is L-theanine?
L-theanine is a naturally-occurring amino acid mainly found in teas and some types of mushrooms. It was discovered in Japan in 1949 and have been shown to be responsible for the umami, savory taste of green tea.
It is a compound known to reach the brain and influence its function by boosting and inhibiting certain neurotransmitters, affecting your mood, emotions, and sleep
Here's how it works in more detail.
How does L-theanine Work?
L-theanine affects the brain in a number of ways:
- Increases calming brain chemicals
L-theanine boosts gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters regulate your emotions, concentration, alertness, and sleep. When these brain chemicals are increased, they contribute to relaxation and promote sleep.
- Decreases stimulating brain chemicals
L-theanine also lowers neurotransmitters that are linked to stress and anxiety. This adds to calming effects and protects brain cells against damage caused by stress and aging.
- Triggers alpha brain waves
Alpha waves are brain waves that are active when resting. It's associated with enhanced relaxation and focus, just like during REM sleep or meditation.
How L-theanine Improves Sleep
Now you know why some people prefer a hot cup of tea before bedtime - teas have L-theanine and can help them relax and unwind after a long day.
Research shows L-theanine promotes relaxation without drowsiness, grogginess, and sleepiness the next morning. This is important because unlike other sleep inducers like melatonin, L-theanine improves sleep quality by not acting as a sedative, but by lowering anxiety and promoting calmness.
A study also found that L-theanine may help children with ADHD improve their sleep quality. Sleep problems are typical with ADHD, and L-theanine has been shown as a safe and important sleep therapy. This means that L-theanine can potentially have the same effects on common sleep problems.
Indeed, L-theanine may help you fall asleep more quickly and easily at night. It can also benefit you in other ways.
Other Benefits of L-theanine
L-theanine is known as a powerful brain booster that increases cognitive performance by improving task accuracy, reaction times, and mental focus. Research also suggests that it has a neuroprotective effects which improves brain function.
And since L-theanine promotes relaxation, it's no surprise that it can reduce stress and lower heart rate, helping to lower blood pressure as well.
With all the benefits that L-theanine has to offer, you may be wondering if there are any drawbacks.
Is L-theanine Safe?
The US Food and Drug Administration classifies L-theanine as "Generally Recognized as Safe." This means that it is safe to consume in small doses and as an additive to food and drinks. L-theanine can also be consumed as a supplement without causing any side effects.
If you're looking for quality L-theanine supplements, we recommend taking Zen Remedy to help you sleep more soundly at night. We also have Revival, an intra-sport supplement, where L-theanine is one of the main ingredients.
However, take note that medications for high blood pressure are not recommended with L-theanine as it is known to reduce blood pressure. Also, L-theanine has not been extensively studied for its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so we recommend consulting your doctor for medical advice.
Bottomline
L-theanine is and excellent sleeping aid that promotes relaxation and your sense of calm. Whether or not you enjoy a regular cup of tea, taking L-theanine supplement can further help you slow down and sleep better - now it's easy to catch your ZZZZZs.
P.S. - If it's SUPER sleep you really need, don't stop at Zen Remedy! You can boost your sleep again with Forty Winkzzz ZMA!
