Could You Benefit From L-Theanine?

Do you struggle with getting a good night's sleep or find yourself constantly battling anxiety? You're not alone. Our licensed and registered dietitians and nutritionists at our sister company, Nutritional Weight & Wellness, work with clients all the time around sleep and anxiety.

In fact, millions of people around the world suffer from these issues. But what if the solution could be as simple as taking a supplement derived from green tea? Enter L-theanine, a natural compound found in green tea that has been shown to provide a range of benefits when it comes to sleep and anxiety. In working with clients, our nutritionist tweak food and lifestyle habits first, but sometimes we just need a little more assistance from a quality supplement and that does the trick.

Let’s explore exactly what L-theanine is, how it works, and why it's becoming an increasingly popular choice for those seeking a natural solution to their sleep and anxiety problems when changes to diet just aren’t getting the results you want.

What is L-theanine and how does it work?
L-theanine is an amino acid that is found in green tea leaves. It has been extensively studied and shown to have a range of beneficial effects on the brain and body. L-theanine stimulates the production of GABA, which is a calming neurotransmitter. Symptoms of low GABA can include anxiety and feeling overwhelmed, feeling worried or fearful, panic attacks, unable to relax, feeling stressed and burned-out. Who hasn’t felt some of those symptoms in the past handful of years?

It is believed that L-theanine also increases alpha brain waves, which are associated with a state of relaxation. As a result, taking L-theanine supplements can lead to reduced stress and anxiety, improved sleep, and an overall sense of calm and well-being.

What are the benefits of taking L-theanine supplements?
There are numerous benefits associated with taking L-theanine supplements. First, it has been shown to improve sleep quality, making it a popular choice for those suffering from insomnia or other sleep disorders.

 It has also been shown to reduce anxiety and stress levels, making it an effective natural remedy for those who suffer from anxiety disorders or high levels of stress. Finally, some studies have shown that L-theanine can improve cognitive function, including memory and attention span.

“Love this little helper. I use it to fall asleep. It seems to clear my busy mind. One is all I need, and occasionally another for those 3 a.m. brainstorms.” – Barbara P.

How do you take L-theanine?
If you fit some or all the symptoms we've mentioned, L-theanine may be worth trying. Take 1-3 caps (up to 600 mg) daily, at least 15 minutes before a meal. To specifically help you sleep, make sure to take it before bed. If you wake up in the middle of the night you can also take one to help calm your brain and fall back to sleep.

Clinically, individuals report feeling much calmer within 30 minutes of taking L-theanine. It can also be used on an as needed basis for anxiety or situational anxiety, like public speaking or test taking.

We can help!
Because brain chemistry for everyone is a little bit different, don’t hesitate to set up an appointment with one of our dietitians or nutritionists at Nutritional Weight & Wellness. They can help you figure out the perfect solution that’s just right for you!

 “I take this for sleeping along with magnesium and it really helps me have a deeper sleep. Lately, I have been buying different brands and I noticed I wasn't sleeping as well and I was waking up much more during the night. I just switched back to this brand and after just one night I have noticed a big difference. I had the best night of sleep in a long time. It pays to buy quality.” – Julie R.

For more information on improving anxiety and sleep check out these articles for more nutrition and food ideas:

• 5 Steps To Combat Anxiety + 4 Supplements For Added Relief
• The Relationship Between Sleep, Hormones, and Weight Gain
• Trouble Sleeping? These Tips (+ Supplements) May Help