In this post, we will be exploring the benefits and potential side effects of 5-HTP as a sleep aid.

What is 5-HTP?
5-HTP is a naturally occurring amino acid and a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that is responsible for regulating mood, appetite, and sleep. 5-HTP is found in certain foods, such as turkey and milk, but it is also available as a dietary supplement.

Effects on the Brain and Body
Once ingested, 5-HTP is converted into serotonin in the brain. Serotonin has a calming effect on the body and helps to regulate mood, appetite, and sleep. It also plays a role in reducing anxiety and depression.

Benefits for Sleep
Studies have shown that 5-HTP may be beneficial for improving sleep quality and reducing the time it takes to fall asleep. It may also help to increase REM sleep, which is the phase of sleep where the brain is most active and dreams occur.

Potential Side Effects
While 5-HTP is generally considered safe when taken in appropriate doses, it can cause some side effects in certain individuals. These may include nausea, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort. In rare cases, it may also cause serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when there is an excess of serotonin in the body.

Why we didn't include it in our Knocked formula
While 5-HTP has shown promise as a sleep aid, we chose not to include it in our Knocked formula due to the potential for side effects and the fact that it may interact with certain medications. Instead, we opted for other natural ingredients, such as melatonin and magnesium, which have been shown to be effective for improving sleep without the risk of significant side effects.

5-HTP is a natural amino acid that may be beneficial for improving sleep quality and reducing the time it takes to fall asleep. However, it is important to be aware of the potential for side effects and to speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen. At Knocked, we believe in using natural ingredients that are safe and effective for promoting healthy sleep.

Sources:

1. Birdsall, T. C. (1998). 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor. Alternative Medicine Review, 3(4), 271-280. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9727088/]

2. Shell, W., Bullias, D., Charuvastra, E., May, L. A., & Silver, D. S. (2010). A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of an amino acid preparation on timing and quality of sleep. American Journal of Therapeutics, 17(2), 133-139. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19417589]

3. Rondanelli, M., Opizzi, A., Monteferrario, F., Antoniello, N., Manni, R., & Klersy, C. (2012). The effect of melatonin, magnesium, and zinc on primary insomnia in long-term care facility residents in Italy: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 60(1), 82-90. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22211543]

4. Turner, E. H., Loftis, J. M., & Blackwell, A. D. (2006). Serotonin a la carte: supplementation with the serotonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan. Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 109(3), 325-338. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0163725805002554]

5. Wyatt, R. J., Zarcone, V., Engelman, K., Dement, W. C., Snyder, F., & Sjoerdsma, A. (1971). Effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan on the sleep of normal human subjects. Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology, 30(6), 505-509. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4105646]