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evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Amino Acid

5-HTP (Sleep Use)

Serotonin → melatonin precursor — supports sleep onset and depth.

Sleep QualityREM SleepDepression Support

Overview

Serotonin → melatonin precursor — supports sleep onset and depth.

Natural sources
    Common forms

      Mechanism of action

      Crosses BBB and decarboxylates to serotonin → melatonin synthesis.

      Pathways

        Effects on the body

        Organ system effects

        Evidence-based benefits

        Improves sleep onset; possible REM rebound

        Limited evidence

        Potential side effects

        Common
        • · Nausea
        Rare
          Serious
          • · Serotonin syndrome with SSRIs/MAOIs

          Drug interactions

          SSRIs/MAOIs
          Serotonin syndrome risk.
          severe

          Supplement interactions

          Pairs well with

          None listed.

          Avoid combining with

          No specific avoidances listed.

          Dosing & bioavailability

          Typical dose
          50–200 mg pre-bed
          With food?
          Empty stomach

          Where to buy

          Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

          Amino Acid
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          iHerb
          Global delivery · curated brands
          Amino Acid
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          Thorne
          Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

          Scientific evidence (8)

          Meta-analysisCochrane Database · 2002

          5-HTP for sleep and mood

          Shaw K, et al.

          Cochrane review of 5-HTP in depression and sleep.

          Key findings

          Modest benefits; better-quality trials needed.

          Open study
          Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

          PubMed: 5-HTP (Sleep Use) — Improves sleep onset; possible REM rebound

          Live PubMed search

          Live results for "5-HTP (Sleep Use) Improves sleep onset; possible REM rebound" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

          Key findings

          Opens current human and preclinical literature matching 5-HTP (Sleep Use) and "Improves sleep onset; possible REM rebound". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

          Open study
          Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

          PubMed: 5-HTP (Sleep Use) — randomized controlled trial

          Live PubMed search

          Live results for "5-HTP (Sleep Use) randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

          Key findings

          Opens current human and preclinical literature matching 5-HTP (Sleep Use) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

          Open study
          Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

          PubMed: 5-HTP (Sleep Use) — meta-analysis

          Live PubMed search

          Live results for "5-HTP (Sleep Use) meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

          Key findings

          Opens current human and preclinical literature matching 5-HTP (Sleep Use) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

          Open study
          Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

          PubMed: 5-HTP (Sleep Use) — pharmacokinetics

          Live PubMed search

          Live results for "5-HTP (Sleep Use) pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

          Key findings

          Opens current human and preclinical literature matching 5-HTP (Sleep Use) and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

          Open study
          Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

          PubMed: 5-HTP (Sleep Use) — safety adverse events

          Live PubMed search

          Live results for "5-HTP (Sleep Use) safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

          Key findings

          Opens current human and preclinical literature matching 5-HTP (Sleep Use) and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

          Open study
          Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

          PubMed: 5-HTP (Sleep Use) — dose response

          Live PubMed search

          Live results for "5-HTP (Sleep Use) dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

          Key findings

          Opens current human and preclinical literature matching 5-HTP (Sleep Use) and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

          Open study
          Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

          Google Scholar: 5-HTP (Sleep Use) — clinical evidence

          Live Scholar search

          Cross-database citation index for 5-HTP (Sleep Use) as it relates to "clinical evidence".

          Key findings

          Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

          Open study
          Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.