sleep disturbances

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an intermediate stage in the endogenous conversion of the amino acid tryptophan into the neurotransmitter serotonin, which in turn is converted into “sleep hormone“ melatonin. A reduced serotonin level leads to reduced melatonin levels during the night. Exogenous substitution with 5-HTP can normalize disturbed sleep and insomnia by increasing melatonin levels.

B vitamins Niacin, Vitamin B₁ and Vitamin B₆ are also essential for successful serotonin synthesis. For vitamin B₆ there is evidence that the intensity of dreaming and dream recall is increased by substitution.

St. John's Wort (Hyypericum perforatum) inhibits the synaptosomal uptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine and thus leads to an increase in nocturnal melatonin secretion and an improvement in sleep behaviour.

Research shows that extracts of Ashwagandha have GABA-like activity and are therefore responsible for a calming effect. GABA is a neurotransmitter in the brain that down-regulates neuronal activity and therefore has a calming effect.