Evidence supporting the use of: Glycine
For the health condition: Insomnia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Glycine, an amino acid, has garnered scientific interest as a potential aid for insomnia and sleep quality. Several human clinical trials have investigated its effects. Notably, multiple randomized, placebo-controlled studies in healthy adults and those with insomnia symptoms have found that taking 3 grams of glycine about an hour before bedtime can modestly improve subjective sleep quality, reduce sleep onset latency (the time it takes to fall asleep), and decrease daytime sleepiness and fatigue. The proposed mechanisms include glycine's role as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, its ability to lower core body temperature (which facilitates sleep onset), and its modulation of NMDA and glycine receptors in the brain.
A 2007 study published in Sleep and Biological Rhythms and a 2012 study in Frontiers in Neurology are among those supporting these findings, though sample sizes have been relatively small and the effect sizes modest. Importantly, glycine is generally well-tolerated and safe at the doses studied. However, while results are promising, more comprehensive trials are needed to establish its efficacy and long-term safety. Glycine's use for insomnia is therefore supported by preliminary scientific evidence rather than tradition or anecdote.
Other ingredients used for Insomnia
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black cumin
Indian frankincense
rice
calcium
California poppy
cassia bark
chamomile
cherry
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
Coptis chinensis
fennel
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gooseberry
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
heartwood
hops
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
maca
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
ophiopogon root
orange
passionflower
perilla
phytocannabinoids
pollen
polygala root
quail egg
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
scrophularia root
skullcap
valerian root
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
tangerine
anise
blackboard tree
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
morus
silk tree
chrysanthemum
amber
ganoderma
lotus seed
anemarrhena asphodeloides
purslane
aster root
peach
wood betony
goji berry
soursop
Aralia
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Angelica
Apigenin
Anamu
Albizia
Agarwood
Anemone
Alpha lactalbumin
Agrimonia pilosa
Arani
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Blackthorn
Balsam
Bayleaf
Big Quaking Grass
Banyan
Brahmi
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bupleurum
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Clary sage
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cactus
Cyathula
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Cannabinol
Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Corktree
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Cherimoya
Corydalis
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
David's Milkberry
Doxylamine succinate
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Elk antler
Elephant's Head
Embelia
Glycine
jasmine
Lotus
Lily
Little ironweed
Mallow
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Orchid
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
walnut
Other health conditions supported by Glycine
AnxietyCardiovascular Disease
Concentration (poor)
Depression
Diabetes
Hypertension
Inflammation
Insomnia
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Stress
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores