Welcome to our series on supplement ingredients for sleep! In this series, we will be exploring various ingredients commonly found in sleep supplements and their effects on the body. We'll examine their benefits for sleep, potential side effects, and why some ingredients didn't make the cut in our Knocked formula. Today, we're starting with a closer look at GABA.

What is GABA?
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter in the brain that helps regulate neuronal activity. It inhibits the firing of neurons, which can lead to a calming effect on the body. GABA is naturally produced in the brain, but some people take supplements to increase GABA levels in the body.

Benefits for Sleep:
GABA is often included in sleep supplements due to its calming effects on the body. It may help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, which can make it easier to fall asleep. Additionally, GABA has been shown to increase the production of growth hormone, which is important for restorative sleep.

Potential Side Effects:
While GABA is generally considered safe, there are some potential side effects to be aware of. In some people, GABA supplements may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or headaches. It may also interact with certain medications, so it's important to talk to your doctor before taking GABA supplements.

Why We Didn't Include It in Our Knocked Formula:
While GABA can be effective for promoting sleep, we chose not to include it in our Knocked formula due to safety concerns. While GABA is generally safe to take, it's not recommended for long-term use. Regular use of GABA supplements can actually decrease GABA levels in the brain over time, making it less effective at promoting sleep. Additionally, some studies have suggested that taking GABA supplements nightly may lead to dependence.

GABA is a popular ingredient in sleep supplements due to its calming effects on the body. While it can be effective at promoting sleep, it's important to be aware of potential side effects and the risks of long-term use. At Knocked, we chose not to include GABA in our formula to prioritize the safety and effectiveness of our product. Stay tuned for our next installment in this series, where we'll be examining another common ingredient in sleep supplements.

Sources:

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3. Abdou, A. M., Higashiguchi, S., Horie, K., Kim, M., Hatta, H., & Yokogoshi, H. (2006). Relaxation and immunity enhancement effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration in humans. BioFactors, 26(3), 201-208. [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/biof.5520260305]

4. Loeb, C., Benassi, E., Bo, G. P., Cocito, L., Maffini, M., & Scotto, P. (1983). Preliminary evaluation of the effect of GABA and phosphatidylserine in epileptic patients. Epilepsy Research, 1(3), 209-212. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0920121183900183]

5. Krogsgaard-Larsen, P., & Johnston, G. A. (1978). Drug development based on the natural products of neurotransmitters. Medical Biology, 56(3), 110-118. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/213776/]