How are you sleeping?

Glycine and sleep

Two human studies have recently been conducted analysing the effect of glycine and sleep. 

Glycine has a role in the regulation of sleep, with a few theories proposed for its mechanism of action.

1) Glycine inhibits orexin neurons (a neuropeptide) once you inhibit orexin neurons you promote sleep. 

2) Another pharmacology study has shown that glycine activates NMPA receptors to induce vasodilation therefor lowering core body temperature and inducing sleep.

In summary Glycine can:

·         Improve daytime sleepiness.

·         improve sleep satisfaction and getting to sleep

·         Reduce latency to sleep onset and slow wave sleep.

However evidences also supports glycine only has this effect when administered during the night time, not day so it’s actually a supporting agent and not so much a putting to sleep agent. 

If you are having difficulties with your sleeping cycle you may like to discuss this option with one of the Naturopaths at Cranbourne Family Chiropractic and Wellness Centre.  

Cheers, Tessa Zangiacomi,  Naturopath