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Can 5-HTP Help with Sleep? |
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Can 5-HTP Help with Sleep?
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Darrell Miller | 05/26/14 |
Date:
May 26, 2014 12:57 PM
Author: Darrell Miller
(dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Can 5-HTP Help with Sleep?
What is 5-HTP
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a compound which is produced naturally in the body via the means of the amino acid tryptophan. Even though this compound is already present in the body, researchers have found that we can benefit by having more of it. This has resulted in several supplement companies producing this compound from the seeds of an African plant known as Griffonia simplicifolia; 5-HTP can now be found in many health food and drug stores.
Benefits of 5-HTP
Even though there still hasn't been much research done regarding this supplement, we can still see that there are many uses for it. However, there is sufficient evidence out that shows 5-HTP is effective in treating depression and fibromyalgia, which means improved mood, reduced pain, better joint health, and better quality of sleep. To elaborate on the sleep benefits, 5-HTP increases serotonin levels which are converted into melatonin (a hormone which helps keep sleep cycles under control) through the body. There is also some evidence to suggest that this supplement can reduce anxiety as well as help promote weight loss in obese people.
So there is some great evidence to suggest that this supplement can help to improve our mood, quality of sleep, health and much more. However there is a slight downside, because of the limited amount of research done on this compound it is currently considered possibly unsafe to use. Potential side effects of 5-HTP include muscle ache/pain, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, stomach pain, and also a serious condition known as eosinophilia myalgia syndrome – a rare flu-like condition. Drug interactions can take place also; you should stay away from 5-HTP especially if you are taking any anti-depressant medication as these often increase serotonin levels which may result in too much serotonin in the body.
In conclusion
This supplement has many benefits and there has been research done to prove that it is effective in treating many problems such as insomnia, depression, fibromyalgia, anxiety, weight loss and more. However, it is recommended that you stay away from supplementing with 5-HTP because of the limited research done.
