The clinical use of the amino acid glycine as a nutritional intervention to support and improve sleep quality and duration. Research indicates that administering supplemental glycine before bedtime can enhance sleep onset, reduce nocturnal awakenings, and contribute to a more rested feeling upon waking. This application leverages glycine’s role as an inhibitory neurotransmitter and its impact on thermoregulation.
Origin
Glycine is one of the simplest amino acids and is essential for protein synthesis and metabolic functions. Its specific application for sleep support emerged from neuroscientific research demonstrating its inhibitory effects in the central nervous system and its impact on core body temperature, a key physiological component of sleep initiation.
Mechanism
Glycine acts primarily in the brainstem and spinal cord as an inhibitory neurotransmitter by binding to its cognate receptors, which increases chloride ion influx and hyperpolarizes the postsynaptic neuron, thereby promoting a calming effect. Additionally, ingestion of glycine has been shown to facilitate vasodilation in peripheral tissues, which aids in the lowering of core body temperature, a critical physiological step necessary for transitioning into and maintaining deep sleep cycles.
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