With that in mind, L-theanine seems to be particularly beneficial for combatting stress-related sleep issues. Melatonin, on the other hand, just flat out encourages sleep. This is what makes melatonin a generally more effective sleep supporter than L-theanine, or any other natural sleep aid.
Melatonin and L-theanine can promote a deeper, more restful sleep when taken together. Both melatonin and L-theanine are safe and well-tolerated, and they can be taken together without any adverse effects. If you have difficulty sleeping, consider taking a supplement containing both melatonin and L-theanine.
The most common side effects of L-theanine dosage include headaches, nausea, and irritability. However, the nausea appears to be mostly linked with L-theanine being administered through green tea rather than dietary supplements.
Mix with cold or hot water for a soothing drink before bed. Amounts of L-theanine of 900 mg daily have been used safely, although most adults consume smaller doses of 200-400 mg daily. Thorne's Theanine provides 200 mg per capsule.
L-theanine may help people fall asleep more quickly and easily at bedtime, thanks to the relaxation boost it delivers. Research also shows L-theanine can improve the quality of sleep—not by acting as a sedative, but by lowering anxiety and promoting relaxation.
If you're using L-Theanine to help you wind down at night, it's best to take the supplement between 30 minutes and an hour before your bedtime. This gives the compound time to calm and ease your mind before you start trying to fall asleep.
L-theanine for better sleep quality
L-theanine has been shown to increase sleep efficiency (9), which means you spend more time in deep sleep and less time in light sleep.
Many holistic health care professionals suggest starting with a daily dose of 100 milligrams of l-theanine, increasing to a maximum of 400mg per day, for the treatment of stress or anxiety. Effects are usually noticeable within 30 minutes, and can last as long as eight to ten hours.
l-theanine (γ-glutamylethylamide), an amino acid in green tea, has been shown to affect brain functions by relieving stress disorders, improving mood, and maintaining normal sleep.
In fact, explains Kramer, just one 200 to 400mg capsule can ease stress, lower your cortisol levels, and get you to a state of zen in 20 minutes. And, if you want, you can safely consume L-theanine every day.
Yes, you can take melatonin and L-theanine together.
The two compounds work on different parts of the brain and body, so there is no danger in taking them together.
It doesn't make you sleep, but as melatonin levels rise in the evening it puts you into a state of quiet wakefulness that helps promote sleep,” explains Johns Hopkins sleep expert Luis F. Buenaver, Ph.D., C.B.S.M. “Most people's bodies produce enough melatonin for sleep on their own.
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.
L-theanine can help foster a state of calm, attentive wakefulness. L-theanine has positive effects on both the mental and physical symptoms of stress, including lowering heart rate and blood pressure. Research suggests that L-theanine can help reduce anxiety in people with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
→ In conclusion, combining magnesium l-threonate and l-theanine is an effective way to reap the benefits of both supplements. Magnesium l-threonate helps with better brain function, while l-theanine helps reduce stress and anxiety. Together, they can help improve overall well-being.
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.
Magnesium glycinate is considered to be the most effective type of magnesium for bettering sleep, as it may help relax both the nervous system and your muscles.
L-Theanine is thought to work by decreasing 'excitatory' brain chemicals that contribute to stress and anxiety while increasing brain chemicals that promote calmness, thereby inducing sleep. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that assists in maintaining a normal sleep cycle (waking up and falling asleep).
Even small amounts of L‑theanine may help you sleep better. A study published in 2019 illustrated that as little as 20 to 30 mg of L‑theanine can help you fall asleep faster. But to experience L-theanine's full benefits, you may want to take the clinically-recommended dose of 200 mg before bedtime.
L-theanine and ashwagandha are quite complimentary in terms of their benefits, but the mechanisms of action are quite different. Ashwagandha works more on a hormonal level, especially with cortisol. L-theanine works more on the neurotransmitters.
L-theanine has been historically reported as a relaxing agent, prompting scientific research on its pharmacology. Animal neurochemistry studies suggest that L-theanine increases brain serotonin, dopamine, GABA levels and has micromolar affinities for AMPA, Kainate and NMDA receptors.
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.