The average person takes around 10 to 20 minutes to fall asleep at night, but that’s not the reality for many individuals who lay awake at night, unable to nod off. Sleep supplements offer a helping hand in falling asleep, but some prescribed sleep aids can cause drowsiness the morning after, as some claim sleep supplements like melatonin make them groggy.
Enter gamma-aminobutyric acid.
It’s naturally found in the body and promotes a calming effect. GABA is typically taken as dietary supplement, but it has a track record showing it may be a good alternative sleep aid to melatonin. It only affects the early sleep stages, and leaves you feeling more awake in the morning as a result. Although there’s limited research, the small studies performed yield positive results that show GABA may be worth a try if you’re unable to fall asleep.
Here’s what we know about GABA, tips on taking it and why it might be viable sleep aid to consider if you have trouble falling asleep.
For more help getting quality rest, try these seven natural sleep aids for insomnia and how to create the perfect environment for sleep.
What is GABA?
GABA is a neurotransmitter naturally found in the brain and even in some foods like tomatoes and soybeans. It’s 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 helps regulate nerve cell hyperactivity when feeling fearful, anxious or stressed.
It’s sold without a prescription as a dietary supplement, but GABA’s effects may also benefit those who struggle to fall asleep.
Why GABA can benefit sleep
Taken alone or with other natural sleep aids, GABA supplements help address anxiety, stress and an overactive brain, three main offenders 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 drift off to sleep.
Low GABA levels have actually been linked to sleep deprivation, as one study found participants with insomnia had 30% lower levels of GABA in their systems. Another small-scale study involving middle-aged adults published in the National Library of Medicine found that taking 300 mg of GABA before bed for at least a week can reduce sleep latency (the amount of time it takes to fall asleep).
There’s no solid research showing GABA helps sleep efficiency (quality of sleep and slow wave sleep), but the study’s results showed it may promote sleepiness as it affects early sleep stages. Another benefit is that it won’t leave you feeling drowsy the following morning like other over-the-counter medications such as ZzzQuil or prescription sleep medications.
Tips for taking GABA for sleep
1. GABA can be taken as a supplement or powder in your food.
2. Take GABA 30 to 60 minutes before bed for best results (as shown by studies).
3. Follow the dosage instructions and track the amount and how often you take GABA.
4. Use a sleep journal to document your sleep quality so you can identify patterns, possible side effects and the efficiency of GABA.
5. GABA is naturally found in fermented foods like kimchi, sourdough, sake and mulberry beer.
6. Always talk to your doctor before taking GABA or any new supplements.
GABA can also help anxiety and stress
While research is still limited, more data supporting GABA as a stress and anxiety reliever continues to emerge. Although, relieving anxiety and stress before bed isn’t to be taken lightly, as it can significantly impact sleep latency and overall sleep quality.
Possible GABA side effects
According to the Sleep Foundation, there are no serious side effects when taking GABA in small doses from sleep or dietary supplements. However, some consumers have reported feeling abdominal pain or headaches. High levels of GABA in the brain is linked to daytime drowsiness, and a small number of people report drowsiness after taking GABA.
As you should with any new supplement, consult your doctor before taking GABA. Especially when taken in combination with other medications or prescriptions.
People at a higher risk of having a negative reaction to GABA include:
- Pregnant women
- Individuals under 18 years old
- People who take prescriptions for high blood pressure
- People who take anti-seizure medications
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.