Does L-Theanine Affect Blood Pressure?

Research shows that high blood pressure increases the risk of other severe health problems, including stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications. L-theanine can help lower your blood pressure by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. The calming effect lowers your heart rate, keeping your blood pressure down.

How Does L-Theanine Influence Blood Pressure?

As we’ve discussed above, L-theanine can lower high blood pressure by reducing stress and enhancing relaxation thus lowering your heart rate. Here is a breakdown of how this process works:

Reduces Stress and Enhances Relaxation

If you’ve heard about the calming effect of L-theanine, then you may be wondering: Does L-theanine lower cortisol? Cortisol is a stress hormone released by your adrenal glands to regulate your body’s response to stress. It causes high blood pressure, weight gain, sleep disruption, and inflammation. L-theanine can drop cortisol levels significantly, thus lowering your blood pressure and improving the quality of your sleep.

Can L-theanine cause vivid dreams? Although this claim hasn’t been scientifically proven, it may indicate that enhanced relaxation and cognitive function could lead to more vivid dreams. The calming effect offered by L-theanine also reduces anxiety–which is another major contributor to increased blood pressure. It increases the levels of serotonin and dopamine in your brain, which can improve your mood, enhance relaxation, and manage stress.

Reduces Nervous System Activities

Your nervous system triggers the fight-or-flight mode when you face a stressful situation, which raises your heart rate and increases your blood pressure. Does L-theanine work for anxiety? It can!

Regular intake of L-theanine can reduce the activities of your nervous system, leading to relaxed blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

Reduces Oxidative Stress

An imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body leads to oxidative stress, leading to damaged cells. L-theanine increases antioxidant properties in your body, protecting your blood vessels against inflammation.

This means that it can help your blood vessels be elastic enough to allow free flow of blood without constriction, keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level.

Key Considerations Before Taking L-Theanine

While L-theanine can reduce anxiety, stress, and high blood pressure, too much of it can have adverse effects on your body. For instance, a higher dose could lead to a lethargic feeling and disrupted sleep.

Additionally, avoid combining L-theanine with caffeine because the latter could disrupt the relaxing effect of L-theanine, which may interfere with your sleep. 

The Bottom Line

Research has shown that doses of 200 milligrams or more of L-theanine have been studied for their potential to support relaxation and calmness. Some studies have explored its effects on stress and blood pressure, though individual results may vary.

Although L-theanine can lower your blood pressure through enhanced relaxation, reduced stress, and regulated nervous system activities, you should always consult with a licensed medical professional before taking L-theanine.

For more information and advice on how to promote natural sleep, check out the resources from Optimal Circadian Health. We’re dedicated to helping sleep apnea patients overcome their sleeping problems naturally without the use of CPAP machines!