What does GABA do for sleep?
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that slows down brain activity, helping you to feel less stimulated and more relaxed. This is referred to as the GABAergic system, and it’s the main inhibitory neurotransmitter system in the body. The GABAergic system comprises the GABA neurotransmitter, GABA receptors, and GABA synthesis and degradation. 1
The GABAergic system works through specific receptors (called GABAA and GABAB), which are activated when GABA is released in the brain. When activated, GABA balances out excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate, noradrenaline, acetylcholine, and dopamine, which can increase arousal during sleep.
If the GABAergic system isn’t working properly, these excitatory neurotransmitters will continue to stimulate the brain, which can lead to insomnia and other common sleep disorders.
Research has shown that GABA supplements can significantly shorten the time it takes to fall asleep. It also increases total non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) sleep time, indicating that it helps with deep sleep. 2
One study showed that taking 300 mg GABA one hour before sleeping for four weeks reduced the time it took to fall asleep (sleep latency). 3 In a similar study, taking GABA 30 minutes before sleep for one week reduced sleep latency and increased total Non-REM sleep time, the deepest sleep phase. 4
