Sleep better with glutamine?
In the sports sector, L-glutamine is one of the most popular supplements. The amino acid is also often used for intestinal problems such as leaky gut syndrome. But did you know that glutamine also helps with sleep problems? Find out how L-glutamine promotes a good night's sleep in our blog post.
L-glutamine is one of the non-essential amino acids. This means that the body normally produces glutamine itself. However, the body's own production is reduced under high levels of stress, such as stress or intensive training, and in the case of various illnesses. Supplementation with glutamine can be useful here.Table of contents:- Lack of glutamine leads to sleep problems
- Influence of GABA on sleep
- Glutamine: sleeping pills and tranquillisers mimic GABA effects
Deficiency of glutamine leads to sleep problems
Glutamine is the starting material for the formation of gamma-amino-butyric acid (γ-aminobutyric acid, or GABA for short). This non-proteinogenic amino acid is an important neurotransmitter of the central nervous system and has a calming and relaxing effect, as it suppresses the transmission of stimuli in the brain. Stress signals and other stimuli are slowed down or not transmitted at all. You calm down and can relax. A lack of the amino acid and therefore also of GABA can therefore not only disrupt your night's sleep, but also lead to inner restlessness and lack of concentration. In other words: GABA is an endogenous anti-stress and tranquilliser.
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Influence of GABA on sleep
Scientists suspect that overactivation of the nervous system causes sleep disorders. This was confirmed by a US study. The researchers found an average of 30% less GABA in the brains of people with sleep problems than in other people. The lower the GABA levels, the more pronounced the sleeplessness (insomnia). Sleep disorders can therefore be caused by neurochemical abnormalities in the brain: Inhibitory influences are absent due to low GABA concentrations. For a restful night's sleep, it is therefore important that the body has enough building blocks to produce the neurotransmitter. If you suffer from difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, an increased intake of the amino acid may therefore help you to calm down again.
To increase your glutamine intake, you can use our glutamine powder.
Glutamine: sleeping pills and tranquillisers mimic GABA effects
Some sleeping pills such as benzodiazepines or barbiturates help against restless nights by altering the brain's response to GABA and enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter. Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (γ-hydroxybutyric acid, GHB for short) is also closely related to GABA and has a similar effect. GHB is also known as a party drug or KO drops. Many sedatives and some anaesthetics also act via the GABA receptors in the brain.
Sources:- D. T. Plante et al. Reduced γ-Aminobutyric Acid in Occipital and Anterior Cingulate Cortices in Primary Insomnia: a Link to Major Depressive Disorder? Neuropsychopharmacology 2012; 37(6): 1548-1557.
- J.W. Winkelman et al. Reduced Brain GABA in Primary Insomnia: Preliminary Data from 4T Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H-MRS). Sleep 2008; 31(11): 1499-1506.
- www.aerztezeitung.de/medizin/krankheiten/neuro-psychiatrische_krankheiten/schlafstoerungen/article/526368/insomnie-forscher-botenstoff-gaba-fokus.html
