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How do I Use 5 HTP for Insomnia?

Deborah Walker
Deborah Walker

5 HTP, or 5-hydroxytryptophan, is an amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin and melatonin. It is made from the seeds of the Griffonia simplicifolia, or it can be made synthetically. 5 HTP helps insomnia because it improves rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and increases the lengths of the deep sleep stages. Sufferers can begin using 5 HTP for insomnia by taking the lowest dose of 50 mg or less. There are some side effects associated with higher doses of 5 HTP, some of which can be serious. If you are on certain medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for depression, you should not take 5 HTP for treating insomnia unless under the direct supervision of a medical professional. You may purchase 5 HTP over the counter in the US, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

REM sleep improves, on average, about 25% when 5 HTP is used. At the same time, the deep sleep stages three and four are lengthened, but the total amount of sleep time remains the same. This is because 5 HTP causes the body to shorten light sleep stages one and two. The result of this modified sleep cycle is that you will most likely awaken feeling rested and ready to begin the day.

A woman with insomnia.
A woman with insomnia.

The depth of REM sleep is dose-dependent. Most people take 50-300 mg of 5 HTP about a half an hour before bedtime. You might need less. In any case, the lower dose should be your starting point when you try 5 HTP for insomnia. You might find that you get satisfactory results from a lower dose, or it may need to be increased. Exercise caution when raising the dosage because side effects may develop.

Watching TV late at night can contribute to insomnia.
Watching TV late at night can contribute to insomnia.

One of the main side effects of high doses of 5 HTP is vivid, possibly disturbing dreams or nightmares due to the longer REM stage. Other possible side effects are heart valve damage or nausea. Sometimes 5 HTP causes rashes or headaches as well. Serotonin syndrome, which is potentially life-threatening, may occur if there is too much serotonin in your body. Watch for symptoms such as shivering, tremors, agitation, headache, and confusion, among others.

5 HTP is used as a sleep aid.
5 HTP is used as a sleep aid.

If you are on antidepressants, taking anti-Parkinson's medication, or antibiotics, you should not take 5 HTP for insomnia. Other medication regimens with which 5 HTP should not be combined include weight-loss medications, tranquilizers, barbiturates, MAO inhibitors, chemotherapy drugs, and alcohol. If you begin taking 5 HTP on your own, it might be prudent to inform your physician.

5-hydroxytryptophan, also known as 5-HTP, is a precursor to the development of typtophan and ultimately seratonin.
5-hydroxytryptophan, also known as 5-HTP, is a precursor to the development of typtophan and ultimately seratonin.

Local or Internet health food stores and markets may carry 5 HTP in 50 mg, 100 mg or 200 mg doses. The amino acid is usually available in regular or time-released tablets or capsules. Sublingual and spray versions of 5 HTP for insomnia may also be purchased at some locations.

Discussion Comments

serenesurface

People generally use 50 - 100mg a day of 5 HTP to sleep better. But it seems to work for some and not for others. I take it a few hours before bed time and I sleep like a baby afterward. I can sleep for seven hours straight which is great. But it hasn't worked so much for my friend. She says it doesn't make her sleepy at all.

candyquilt

@donasmrs-- I've been using a 5 HTP supplement for insomnia for a few months now. I have not experienced any negative side effects but I use a low dose and never go above it. I also take a break from it for one week every month.

I don't know what doctors and scientists have found about 5 HTP supplements affects on the heart. I do know that high doses of it can cause to serotonin syndrome because 5 HTP affects serotonin production. Serotonin syndrome is when there is too much serotonin in the body and it becomes toxic.

That's why 5 HTP should not be combined with any other medication or supplement that increases serotonin in the body. And one should never use more than the recommended dose. And definitely ask your doctor before you start it. It's absolutely true that something that is natural isn't necessarily always safe.

donasmrs

I heard about 5 HTP's benefits for insomnia and depression. I wanted to try it but decided to read more about it when I found out about its possible side effects. Damage to heart valves sounds like a very serious side effect to me and I certainly don't want to experience anything like that for the sake of sleeping. I'm having sleep problems due to depression and I want to treat it naturally. But it seems like even natural options are not very safe.

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    • A woman with insomnia.
      By: Dan Race
      A woman with insomnia.
    • Watching TV late at night can contribute to insomnia.
      By: Fenton
      Watching TV late at night can contribute to insomnia.
    • 5 HTP is used as a sleep aid.
      By: Anna Khomulo
      5 HTP is used as a sleep aid.
    • 5-hydroxytryptophan, also known as 5-HTP, is a precursor to the development of typtophan and ultimately seratonin.
      By: snyggg.de
      5-hydroxytryptophan, also known as 5-HTP, is a precursor to the development of typtophan and ultimately seratonin.
    • The depth of REM sleep that an individual achieves depends on the dosage of HTP taken.
      By: jolopes
      The depth of REM sleep that an individual achieves depends on the dosage of HTP taken.