title: Sleep induced by L-tryptophan. Effect of dosages within the normal dietary intake.
abstract: Previous results have demonstrated sleep-inducing effects of L-tryptophan in doses of 1 to 15 g at bedtime. The present laboratory study extends the dose-response curve downward, comparing doses of 1/4 g, 1/2 g, and 1 g of L-tryptophan with placebo, in 15 mild insomniacs (subjects who reported sleep latencies of over 30 minutes). One gram of L-tryptophan significantly reduced sleep latency: the lower doses produced a trend in the same direction. Stage IV sleep was significantly increased by 1/4 g of L-tryptophan. These results at low doses have interesting implications since the normal dietary intake of L-tryptophan is 1/2 g to 2 g per day.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000187:drug effects; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects*; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012894:Sleep Stages / Q000187:drug effects; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D014364:Tryptophan