5-HTP Promotes Sleep via Neurotransmitters

Studies suggest that sleep disorders affect 50 to 70 million Americans, representing approximately 20 percent of the population. A sleep disorder exists whenever a lower quality of sleep results in impaired functioning or excessive sleepiness. Insomnia, literally "inability to sleep," has various etiologies and is the most common sleep disorder, affecting between 6 to 12 percent of the adult population. In addition to the adult population, difficulties initiating and maintaining sleep are very common in children, affecting about 15 to 25 percent of this population.

Therapeutic administration of 5-HTP has been shown to be effective in treating insomnia.  5-HTP is a nutrient that acts as a precursor to the neurotransmitter Serotonin and may help to promote a healthy neurotransmitter balance.  Much research has been conducted regarding the physical and emotional health benefits of 5-HTP in clinical and laboratory settings since the 1970s. 5-HTP is indicated for:  depressed mood and mood changes, occasional nervousness or anxiety, and sleep difficulty.

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is the intermediate metabolite of the essential amino acid L-tryptophan (LT) in the biosynthesis of serotonin. Intestinal absorption of 5-HTP does not require the presence of a transport molecule, and is not affected by the presence of other amino acids; therefore it may be taken with meals without reducing its effectiveness. Unlike LT, 5-HTP cannot be shunted into niacin or protein production. Therapeutic use of 5-HTP bypasses the conversion of LT into 5-HTP by the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase, which is the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of serotonin. 5-HTP is well absorbed from an oral dose, with about 70 percent ending up in the bloodstream. It easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and effectively increases central nervous system (CNS) synthesis of serotonin. In the CNS, serotonin levels have been implicated in the regulation of sleep, depression, anxiety, aggression, appetite, temperature, sexual behaviour, and pain sensation.