When it comes to L-theanine and GABA, L-theanine wins the battle to cross the blood brain barrier. Once consumed, it can easily cross the blood brain barrier and its effects on the brain are noted within 30 minutes [7]. L-theanine helps to promote relaxation without making you drowsy.
Consuming the GABA/L-theanine mixture led to a decrease in sleep latency and an increase in sleep duration compared to either GABA or L-theanine alone. The mixture also contributed to a significant increase in rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep compared to the controls.
Studies have shown (7) that the combination of L-theanine and GABA in supplement form is more beneficial for the quantity and quality of sleep than the individual ingredients alone. Specifically, the mixture can lead to decreases in sleep latency and increases in sleep duration.
Context: γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter and it is well established that activation of GABAA receptors favours sleep. l-Theanine, a naturally occurring amino acid first discovered in green tea, is a well-known anti-anxiety supplement with proven relaxation benefits.
γ-Glutamylethylamine, also known as l-theanine, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are known agents for improving sleep disturbances (Khan et al. 2018). GABA is a non-proteinogenic amino acid and is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain.
When it comes to sleep, a clinically beneficial dosage of GABA is 100 mg, which is the amount included in Proper's supplements.
People who are using GABA to enhance the quality of their sleep are best to take a single, larger dose half an hour before bed. GABA is most effective on an empty stomach, so it is a good idea to wait an hour between eating food or drinking protein, and GABA supplementation.
There are no confirmed or direct side effects of consuming L-theanine. Generally speaking, it's safe to drink teas and take supplements that contain L-theanine. But it's important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't regulate supplement.
Clinical studies suggest that taking up to 120 milligrams (mg) of GABA per day as supplements for 12 weeks is unlikely to cause adverse effects. People should take care when using them with other drugs. Using them with medications for high blood pressure or epilepsy may increase the impact of those drugs.
The dosage for insomnia is 500 to 1,000 mg approximately one hour before bed. The dosage for stress is 750 mg split into three daily doses. Consume the GABA on an empty stomach for better absorption. For split doses, take the supplement approximately 60 minutes before eating your next meal or two hours after a meal.
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID (GABA) GABA might lower blood pressure. Taking GABA along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low.
Too much GABA can cause an increase in anxiety, a shortness of breath, numbness around the mouth and tingling in the extremities. When you start taking GABA you might experience drowsiness or lightheadedness (so don't take it before driving), and in some individuals, skin hives or a rash may appear.
A lack of GABA leaves your central nervous system with too many neuronal signals and causes conditions like epilepsy, seizures or mood disorders. Meanwhile, too much GABA means not enough brain activity and can lead to hypersomnia or daytime sleepiness.
For this reason, it's best to play it safe and not use GABA if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Interactions. Not enough is known about how GABA may interact with drugs, foods, or other herbs and supplements, but use with caution if taking with blood pressure medications.
Supplements. While L-Theanine is present in green and black tea, you may want to monitor your intake of these popular drinks if you struggle with falling asleep at night. While tea tends to contain lower levels of caffeine than coffee, it still has enough of the stimulant to interfere with your bedtime ritual.
So, should you take L-theanine in the morning or at night? If you're looking to get a good night's sleep, take L-theanine at night. For example, if you need help getting to sleep, you won't want to drink caffeinated tea at night, so you should opt for caffeine-free or herbal tea before bed.
GABA is known for producing a calming effect. It's thought to play a major role in controlling anxiety, stress and fear. Decreased GABA levels are associated with several neurological and mental health conditions, as well as other medical conditions.
The NNHPD monograph for Cognitive Function Products recommends a daily intake of 50–3000 mg GABA that does not exceed 750 mg per single dose; it also says to consult a healthcare practitioner for use of products providing 300 mg/day or more when GABA is used for longer than 4 weeks [48].
2 However, high daily doses of GABA (5 to 10 grams) may result in a burning sensation in your throat and low blood pressure. The upper recommended intake is typically 3 grams per day—with no more than 750 milligrams per dose.
When taken by mouth: L-theanine is possibly safe when used short-term. Doses of up to 900 mg daily have been safely used for 8 weeks. It isn't clear if L-theanine is safe to use for longer periods of time. It might cause mild side effects, such as headache or sleepiness.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding:There is not enough reliable information about the safety of using theanine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Children: Theanine is POSSIBLY SAFE for children. Doses of 200 mg of theanine have been safely used twice daily for up to 6 weeks.
L-theanine acts within 30-60 minutes, while Ashwagandha takes time (up to a week) to feel the benefits. This creates a bridge effect where daily doses of L-theanine bridge the longer-term benefits of Ashwagandha.
Treatment for depression
Some studies have shown that GABA supplements can act just as quickly and effectively as some antidepressants. This may be counterintuitive, as GABA's role is to calm the brain down.
Just one hour after taking GABA, they saw a significant increase in alpha waves, which caused feelings of calm and relaxation. The effects of GABA can be used to stabilize blood pressure in people with hypertension.
Gabapentin and magnesium can interact with each other. Magnesium can lower the effects of gabapentin. If you've been prescribed gabapentin and take a medication or supplement containing magnesium, it's recommended to take gabapentin at least 2 hours after taking it.