Sn™222 Deep™

In order to fall asleep, the body and brain need to relax. Magnesium is involved in the regulation of melatonin and GABA, and may aid sleep by activating the parasympathetic nervous system if you feel stressed.  Studies show that elderly people may experience improved sleeping from magnesium supplements.

L-theanine, also known as γ-glutamylethylamide, is an amino acid that structurally very similar to the amoni acid l-glutamate. L-glutamate, also known as simply glutamate, acts a neurotransmitter in the brain. In accordance, l-theanine has been shown to bind to glutamate receptors (although with much lower afinity than glutamate itself), resulting in the increase of serotonin and dopamine levels in various parts of the brain.

In one study with 30 healthy adults, L-theanine has shown improved sleeping with less time to fall asleep, fewer sleep disturbances and less sleep medication needed than the control group. In another study, healthy participants were given 50 mg L-theanine or a placebo, and brain waves were measured continously. Alpha-wave production was significantly higher in the L-theanine group compared to the placebo group. Alpha wave activity increase is a marker for awake relaxation - the same effect as you get during meditation.

In adition, a study of Japanese university students found that 200 mg of L-theanine led to increased brain alpha-waves and a subjective sense of relaxation, along with decreased stress-related beta-waves. In the same study, L-theanine administration also caused a dose-dependent relaxed, yet alert, state of mind without sedation, beginning approximately 40 minutes after ingestion.* In this study, L-theanine was compared with water and GABA (as PharmaGABA®). Both L-theanine and PharmaGABA significantly increased alpha-wave production.

While certain sleeping pills can be highly effective in assisting sleep when experiencing suboptimal sleep, there are three main reasons why we do not promote their use:

1. Dependency and Tolerance: Regular use of prescription sleeping pills can lead to dependency and tolerance. The body can become accustomed to the medication, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. This often results in increased difficulties in falling asleep without the medication. Additionally, most sleeping pills are not recommended for long-term use.
   
   

2. Side Effects: Prescription sleeping pills can cause various side effects, including daytime drowsiness, headaches, memory problems, and impaired coordination.
   
   

3. Withdrawal Symptoms: Discontinuing the use of prescription sleeping pills after prolonged use can result in withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, irritability, and rebound insomnia.