Tryptophan for Insomnia and Depression

Tryptophan is the ancestor of Serotonin (A part of the brain that is often lacking in depression but also helps to improve insomnia if you can't sleep). Tryptophan can be prescribed for multiple reasons that include fighting pain, help with depression, sleep deprivation and addictions.

Understanding Tryptophan

Tryptophan is an important chemical that can be found in small doses in the human body and in some foods such as turkey or milk. Tryptophan helps to relax the body and many people believe that it helps to fight insomnia or depression caused by lack of sleep.

Tryptophan deficiencies that are connected to deficiencies have been recognized in studies dealing with insomnia or depression. Like turkey, tryptophan can be found in other foods such as brown rice, cottage cheese, some meats, soy products and nuts.

Tryptophan is necessary in the human body as the mix of chemicals is needed to balance out the brain. It also helps most people who are having trouble with sleep deprivation, depression and anxiety issues. For those who may be addicted, it balances the brain chemicals that may be extremely low.

Tryptophan for Insomnia

For those who have trouble sleeping at night, they will learn that long term sleep deprivation can be a very serious and dangerous problem. Serotonin is transferred from tryptophan to help induce a natural and relaxing sleep without prescription drugs.

Does Tryptophan Fight Depression?

In previous studies, we have seen that people with depression will often have levels that are low in both serotonin and tryptophan. Tryptophan changes over chemicals to help your brains balance, while giving you a good night's sleep at the same time. Case studies have also shown that children who have autism will have low levels of tryptophan in the brain.

More to Know About Tryptophan

When the serotonin levels are increased, the ability to tolerate pain has also been known to increase. This works out well for patients who have long term or debilitating pain such back pain or arthritis.

Jetlag

If someone experiences a lot of jetlag when they fly, taking tryptophan can potentially help them to relax and fight off the jetlag.

Addiction

Addictions such as those seen in patients who use cocaine can cause a decrease of dopamine in the body. Along with tyrosine, tryptophan may increase these deficiencies and help addicts fight the chemical addictions a little easier.

Truth on Tryptophan in Foods

Some people swear by their Thanksgiving dinners and say that they will be able to sleep easier on that special night. The turkey they say has tryptophan and this miracle and natural drug will send them straight off to sleep after they have had their meal and family get together.

The problem with these theories is that scientific research and studies have shown that although tryptophan is a great aid to help those with insomnia, the actual amounts that can be found in foods such as turkey and milk, is too small to actually do their job of putting someone to sleep.