L-Tryptophan
What Huberman said
Huberman says he tried L-tryptophan, the precursor to serotonin, and his sleep was dreadful: he fell deeply asleep and then woke up. He notes that people respond differently.
Cautions he mentions
- His sleep with increased serotonin by way of tryptophan or 5-HTP was dreadful.[1]
Safety notes from independent sources
- The BNF says tryptophan might increase the risk of serotonin toxicity with antidepressants such as SSRIs, and increases the risk of adverse effects with MAOIs. BNF (NICE): Tryptophan interactions
- The BNF lists eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome as a side effect of tryptophan, and says not to use it if you have had it. BNF (NICE): Tryptophan
Where he said it
- 1
“I, personally, have tried taking a supplement, which was L-tryptophan, which is the precursor to serotonin or 5-HTP”
Using Science to Optimize Sleep, Learning & Metabolism
Episode · 01:04:30 · 2021
- 2
“Or if I take 5-HTP or L-tryptophan, I fall deeply asleep and then I wake up.”
Find Your Temperature Minimum to Defeat Jetlag, Shift Work & Sleeplessness
Episode · 01:33:48 · 2021
Related
This page reports what Andrew Huberman has said. It isn’t medical advice and NSDR.co isn’t affiliated with Huberman Lab. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or have a health condition. Safety information