L-Theanine, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and melatonin have all been shown to independently improve sleep quality and quantity, and/or lessen anxiety. L-Theanine is an amino acid found almost exclusively in tea,¹ which influences the central nervous system through a number of mechanisms, primarily by influencing levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine,² gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA),^3,4 serotonin,^5,6 norepinephrine⁶ and glutamate.^7,8 These effects cause a significant increase in alpha brain wave activity, indicative of a state of wakeful relaxation, increased performance under stress, improved learning and concentration, as well as decreased anxiety.^1,9

5-HTP is the intermediary between L-tryptophan and serotonin, a key neurotransmitter associated with sleep, mood, and anxiety.^10-12 5-HTP bypasses the rate limiting enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase, which normally limits the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin.¹³

Melatonin is also closely related, and is formed by conversion of serotonin in the pineal gland. Known to regulate many biological rhythms, including the circadian cycle, melatonin has shown clinical benefit for inducing sleep or adjusting sleep cycles.¹⁴ Randomized trials have found it to reduce sleep onset latency and improve perceived quality of sleep, without impairing daytime psychomotor performance.^15,16

Benefits

Addresses every facet of insomnia: difficulty initiating sleep, difficulty maintaining sleep, waking too early in the morning, and waking groggy
Reduces anxiety and nervous system excitation, which can inhibit sleep
Safe, without the side effects of prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications
Enteric coated to reduce the risk of nausea

Ingredients

Serving Size: 2 Softgels
Servings per Container: 45

Each Softgel Contains:
Suntheanine^® L-Theanine...........................................................100 mg
5-Hydroxy-L-Tryptophan (L-5-HTP)
(Griffonia simplicifolia) (seed) .....................................................15 mg
Melatonin ....................................................................................1.5 mg

Non-medicinal Ingredients

Softgel (gelatin, glycerin, purified water), organic flaxseed oil, yellow beeswax, non-GMO sunflower lecithin, enteric coating (purified water, ethylcellulose, medium chain triglycerides, oleic acid, sodium alginate, stearic acid).

Allergens

Contains no artificial colours, preservatives, or sweeteners; no dairy, starch, sugar, wheat, gluten, yeast, soy, corn, egg, fish, shellfish, salt, tree nuts, or GMOs. Sealed for your protection. Do not use if seal is broken. For freshness, store in a cool, dry place.

Recommended Adult Dose

2 softgels per day 30–45 minutes prior to bedtime or as directed by a health care practitioner. Consult a health care practitioner for use beyond 4 weeks. Do not take on an empty stomach.

Contraindications

Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you have a hormonal disorder, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, migraine, depression and/or hypertension.¹⁷ Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are taking carbidopa or drugs/supplements with serotonergic activity.¹⁸ These may include but are not limited to L-tryptophan, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), St. John’s wort, antidepressants, pain killers, over-the-counter cough and cold medication containing dextromethorphan, anti-nausea medication and anti-migraine medication. Consult a health care practitioner if sleeplessness persists continuously for more than 3 weeks (chronic insomnia), or if symptoms persist or worsen. Some people may experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.^19,20 Discontinue use if you show signs of weakness, oral ulcers, skin changes or abdominal pain accompanied by severe muscle pain.¹⁸ Do not use if you are taking blood pressure, immunosuppressive or sedative/hypnotic medication¹⁷ or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have scleroderma.^21,22 Some people may experience drowsiness. Exercise caution if you are involved in activities requiring mental alertness. Do not drive or use machinery for 5 hours after taking this product.²³ Keep out of reach of children.

Drug Interactions

L-Theanine is known to have a hypotensive effect in some individuals, and concomitant use of antihypertensive drugs may potentiate their activity.²⁴

References

1. Juneja LR, Chu DC, Okubo T, Nagato Y, Yokogoshi, H. L-Theanine - a unique amino acid of green tea and its relaxation effect in humans. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 1999 10 (2):199–204.
2. Yokogoshi H, Kobayashi M, Mochizuki M, Terashima T. Effect of theanine, r-glutamylethylamide, on brain monoamines and striatal dopamine release in conscious rats. Neurochem Res. 1998 May;23(5):667-73.
3. Kimura R, Murata T. Influence of alkylamides of glutamic acid and related compounds on the central nervous system. I. Central depressant effect of theanine. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 1971 Jun;19(6):1257-61.
4. Alternative Medicine Review. Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), Monograph. Altern Med Rev. 2007 Sep;12(3):274-9.
5. Yokogoshi H, Mochizuki M, Saitoh K. Theanine-induced reduction of brain serotonin concentration in rats. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 1998 Apr;62(4):816-7.
6. Kimura R, Murata T. Effect of theanine on norepinephrine and serotonin levels in rat brain. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 1986 Jul;34(7):3053-7.
7. Kakuda T. Neuroprotective effects of green tea components theanine and catechins. Biol Pharm Bull. 2002 Dec;25(12):1513-8.
8. Kimura K, Ozeki M, Juneja LR, Ohira H. L-theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses. Biol Psychol. 2007 Jan;74(1):39-45.
9. Nobre AC, Rao A, Owen GN. L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17 Suppl:167-8.
10. Birdsall TC. 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor. Altern Med Rev. 1998;3(4):271-80.
11. Wyatt RJ, Zarcone V, Engelman K, Dement WC, Snyder F, Sjoerdsma A. Effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan on the sleep of normal human subjects. Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol. 197 Jun;30(6):505-9.
12. Soulairac A, Lambinet H. [Clinical studies of the effect of the serotonin precursor, L-5-Hydroxytryptophan, on sleep disorders]. Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax. 1998 Aug 23;77(34A):19-23.
13. Shaw K, Turner J, Del Mar C. Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan for depression. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002;(1):CD003198.
14. Kunz D, Mahlberg R, Muller C, Tilman A, Bes F. Melatonin in patients with reduced REM sleep duration: two randomized controlled trials. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Jan;89(1):128-34.
15. Wade AG, Ford I, Crawford G, McMahon AD, Nir T, Laudon M, Zisapel N. Efficacy of prolonged release melatonin in insomnia patients aged 55-80 years: quality of sleep and next day alertness outcomes. Curr Med Res Opin. 2007 Oct;23(10):2597-605.
16. Wade AG, Ford I, Crawford G, McConnachie A, Nir T, Laudon M, Zisapel N. Nightly treatment of primary insomnia with prolonged release melatonin for 6 months: a randomized placebo controlled trial on age and endogenous melatonin as predictors of efficacy and safety. BMC Med. 2010 Aug 16;8:51.
17. Natural Health Products Directorate. Monograph: Melatonin – sublingual [Internet]. 2006 [updated 2006 Dec 7; cited 2012 Sep 21].
18. Singhal AB, Caviness VS, Begleiter AF, Mark EJ, Rordorf G, Koroshetz WJ. Cerebral vasoconstriction and stroke after use of serotonergic drugs. Neurology. 2002 Jan 8;58(1):130-3.
19. Byerley WF, Judd LL, Reimherr FW, Grosser BI. 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a review of its antidepressant efficacy and adverse effects. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 1987;7:127-37.
20. Poldinger W, Calanchini B, Schwarz W. A functional-dimensional approach to depression: serotonin deficiency as a target syndrome in a comparison of 5-hydroxytryptophan and fluvoxamine. Psychopathology. 1991;24(2):53-81.
21. Sternberg EM, Van Woert MH, Young SN, Magnussen I, Baker H, Gauthier S, Osterland CK. Development of a scleroderma-like illness during therapy with L-5-hydroxytryptophan and carbidopa. N Engl J Med. 1980 Oct 2;303(14):782-7.
22. Joly P, Lampert A, Thomine E, Lauret P. Development of pseudobullous morphea and scleroderma-like illness during therapy with L-5-hydroxytryptophan and carbidopa. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1991 Aug;25(2 Pt 1):332-3.
23. Avery D, Lenz M, Landis C. Guidelines for prescribing melatonin. Annals of Medicine. 1998;30(1):122-30.
24. Yokogoshi H, Kobayashi M. Hypotensive effect of gamma-glutamylmethylamide in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Life Sci. 1998;62(12):1065-8.