According to a past study, GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric Acid) may aid people in falling asleep faster.
10 people with an average age of 37.7 years participated in this study. The participants had a high probability of having a sleep disorder as measured by the PSQI (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index). The participants were given 112 mg of PharmaGaba which is equivalent to100 mg of pure GABA over a 2 week period. The 1st and 3rd weeks were active, while the 2 week was used as a wash-out period.
GABA was shown to lengthen deep, non-REM sleep (considered by researchers to be the most beneficial part of the sleep cycle) and reduce sleep onset latency (the time between wakefulness and the first state of sleep). Blood analysis showed the GABA was absorbed within 30 minutes of supplementation. Additionally trace GABA levels dropped off soon after supplementation. Participants reported feeling alert and refreshed when they woke up after GABA supplementation. The fact that GABA levels decline shortly after supplementation is an important distinction between GABA and other sleep alternatives like Diazepam etc. These medications tend to linger in the blood long after a person awakens which could result in cognitive as well as physical decline.
Insomnia is tied to be the 4th most prominent health concern experienced by people living in the United States after stress, tiredness and fatigue and allergies.
Larger studies are needed.
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