What Does L-Theanine Do?

L-theanine is a super amino acid found naturally in tea leaves, especially in green tea. Known for its calming effects, it’s often used to ease everyday life stresses. However, the supplement may not address the root cause of stress or issues with your mitochondria that are contributing to your sleeplessness.

The Benefits of L-Theanine

Some people use L-theanine as a sleep aid to combat their sleepytime struggles. Fans of the supplement may also tell you it makes them feel more awake and alert during the day, calling the little amino acid their brain’s best friend. 

Here are some of the reasons proponents love it so much:

• Better sleep quality: Many people report uninterrupted sleep filled with deep L-theanine dreams that leave them feeling refreshed each morning. 
• Reduced stress and anxiety: People love to drink a cup of tea after a crazy day to ease their mind. Research shows that the L-theanine in tea can boost dopamine and serotonin, which can make you feel more relaxed. 
• Crystal-clear brain power: Battling brain fog? L-theanine could improve your concentration and help you focus. Studies suggest the benefits could be even better when L-theanine is taken with caffeine. This could be especially helpful for those wondering about using L-theanine for ADHD!

L-Theanine Risks and Side Effects

L-theanine can be great when taken in the recommended dosages. Take too much, though, and you may feel a few side effects, from headaches to dizziness or the jitters. 

Even though L-theanine is generally safe, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor before you start taking it. 

Tackling the Root Cause

While L-theanine can help, does it solve the underlying problem at hand? At Optimal Circadian Health, we believe sleep struggles and brain fog can often be attributed to mitochondrial issues that usually require more than a simple supplement to fix.

Caring for these tiny powerhouses inside your cells is so important for your sleep. Here’s how they can impact your slumber:

• Energy production: These cells need to produce energy while you snooze.
• Melatonin production: Mitochondria can help produce melatonin, which is the hormone known to regulate sleep.
• Neuronal detox: Mitochondria helps detoxify neurons while you rest for the best possible sleep results.

To optimize mitochondrial health and improve your sleep, you may consider making some dietary or lifestyle changes. Foods like berries and leafy greens can boost nutrients such as B vitamins and magnesium in your system, while regular exercise and hydration could also support your mitochondrial function. 

Addressing your mitochondrial health is key to bettering your overall sleep quality. For a deeper dive into how you can do that, read Sleep Apnea Solution: A Natural Way to Sleep CPAP-Free and dig into the additional resources offered by Optimal Circadian Health!