We all have nights when sleep just doesn’t come easily. Maybe your mind is busy replaying the day’s events, or you wake up at 3 a.m. and can’t quite drift off again. Sometimes, all we need is a little help to relax and reset without that groggy, “I’ve-been-hit-by-a-bus” feeling the next morning.

That’s why I love natural remedies that gently support the body’s own rhythm, and one of my favourites for improving sleep quality is L-theanine.

L-theanine is a unique amino acid found naturally in tea leaves especially in green and black tea and even in a few types of mushrooms. It was first identified by Japanese scientists back in 1949 ⁽¹⁾.

In green tea, L-theanine gives that smooth, savoury umami flavour that makes tea so satisfying. Interestingly, umami-rich foods have been linked with improved metabolism and better satiety, helping to support healthy weight balance ⁽²⁾. So, your daily cup of tea doesn’t just taste good it’s doing your body a favour too!

L-theanine doesn’t act like a sedative. Instead, it helps calm the mind, easing the stress and tension that often interfere with sleep. Research shows it can help people fall asleep more easily and enjoy deeper, more restorative rest ⁽³⁾.

When taken as a supplement usually around 200 mg before bed, L-theanine may enhance sleep quality by helping the mind stay relaxed while the body rests. It’s a gentle, natural way to support your bedtime routine on those nights when your thoughts just won’t switch off.

L-theanine also works beautifully alongside GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), another calming neurotransmitter your body produces naturally. Studies suggest that combining L-theanine with GABA may help you fall asleep faster and enjoy longer, deeper sleep than either nutrient alone ⁽⁴⁾.

While more human research is still emerging, this combination shows promise for anyone who struggles with a racing mind at bedtime. Of course, it’s always a good idea to chat with your healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re taking medication or have existing health conditions.

So, next time you find yourself tossing and turning, consider winding down with L-theanine supplement. It comes in powder or capsule form. Sometimes, the best sleep support comes from the simplest natural sources.

For further information on L-theanine or other health issues, call to see the team at Go Vita, Your Health Shop at 5 North St, Batemans Bay or phone on 44729737. Don’t forget to tune in to Marianne and Go Vita’s Nutritionist Sofia on 2EC after 12.30pm every Wednesday.

References

1.    1. Yokogoshi, H., et al. (1998). Effect of theanine, γ-glutamylethylamide, on brain monoamines and striatal dopamine release in conscious rats. Neurochemical Research, 23(5), 667–673.

2.    2.  Kondoh, T., & Nishino, H. (2012). Umami taste perception and its significance for human health. Appetite, 59(2), 494–499.

3.    3.  Rogers, P. J., Smith, J. E., Heatherley, S. V., & Pleydell-Pearce, C. W. (2021). Time for tea: Mood, blood pressure, and cognitive performance effects of caffeine and L-theanine alone and in combination. Appetite, 208, 105051.

4.   4.  Yamatsu, A., Yamashita, Y., Maruoka, N., & Kim, M. (2017). Effects of theanine and GABA on sleep behavior in mice and rats. Journal of Functional Foods, 33, 12–17.