What is L-Theanine?

A Complete Guide to How L-Theanine Works

L-theanine is an amino acid primarily found in green and black tea. It can also be taken as a supplement. Many use it for its ability to reduce anxiety and stress and improve sleep, but how does it work to provide these benefits?

This article will review how it interacts with the brain and the various benefits it provides.

L-theanine’s benefits stem from its interactions with the brain. When L-theanine interacts with your brain it…

1. Boosts Alpha Brain Waves

A 2008 study reveals that L-theanine directly affects the brain’s alpha waves. Alpha waves help calm us down and promote feelings of deep relaxation. They elevate when we daydream or relax deeply and are suppressed in incidents that cause stress, anxiety, and insomnia. 

The study also found that L-theanine was most effective in promoting drowsiness in higher doses. Therefore, doses can be adjusted to relieve stress during the day and assist with sleep at night.

2. Increases GABA, Serotonin, and Dopamine Levels

Let’s start by ensuring we understand GABA, serotonin, and dopamine and how they function within the body.

• GABA: GABA is a neurotransmitter that sends signals between the brain's nervous system and nerve cells. It slows down nerve cell activity to produce a calming effect. The chemical messenger can be beneficial to sleep regulation and muscle relaxation, and may help prevent seizures. 
• Serotonin: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and hormone contributing to happiness and well-being. It also improves the sleep-wake cycle, aids with learning and memory, and boosts cardiovascular and bone health. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to mental conditions such as anxiety and depression. 
• Dopamine: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter directly associated with our reward and pleasure centers. It reinforces pleasurable activities, causing us to seek them out. It also helps regulate hormones, increases motivation, assists motor function, and supports attention and memory. 

L-theanine modulates brain activity, specifically enhancing the production of GABA and promoting a sense of relaxation, which can stimulate feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin. 

 3. Reduces the Effects of Stress Hormones

Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, is released in response to emotional stressors such as fear and anxiety. It is initially beneficial because it helps the body mobilize energy stores, increases blood sugar levels, and suppresses non-essential functions to help people deal with stressors. However, it can become elevated with chronic stress, leading to weight gain, sleep disturbances, and inflammation. 

L-theanine’s interactions with GABA help keep cortisol under control, preventing adverse effects.

4. Enhances Cognitive Function and Focus

A 2021 study revealed that L-theanine improves cognitive function in middle-aged subjects. When responding to computer-assigned memory tasks, a single dose improved reaction time and improved mental performance. Researchers found that L-theanine enhances working memory and supports executive functions. 

Overall, L-theanine provides the desired effects by increasing alpha brain waves associated with relaxation and alertness. It also acts on GABA-A receptors that protect neurons. The amino acid interacts with glutamate, which plays a crucial role in cognitive function. 

Once you understand how L-theanine affects the brain, you can easily see its connection to health benefits like...

1. Relaxation Without Drowsiness

L-theanine boosts alpha brain waves, increases GABA, dopamine, and serotonin, and regulates the stress hormone to promote relaxation. The 2008 study mentioned above revealed that it only causes drowsiness at high doses. Therefore, it is helpful for stress reduction throughout the day.

 2. Better Sleep Quality

L-theanine’s relaxing properties also support better sleep. Rather than acting as a sedative, it lowers anxiety and promotes a sense of calm, helping you get to sleep faster and stay asleep longer. One study revealed that it was effective in promoting sleep in boys 8-12 with ADHD. 

3. Improves Mental Focus and Concentration

L-theanine improves mental focus and concentration directly and indirectly. It aids the production of serotonin and dopamine, which support learning and memory, and acts on GABA-A receptors that protect neurons. L-theanine also promotes better sleep, which can support cognitive function. 

A 2019 study demonstrated that L-theanine reduces stress-related symptoms and improves cognitive function in healthy adults. The 30 individuals tested reported lower scores on stress-related symptoms and higher scores on cognitive function.

 4. May Help Lower Blood Pressure

L-theanine’s calming effects may also help lower blood pressure. A 2012 study proved its ability to inhibit blood pressure increases in high-response groups. Its ability to lower blood pressure could also improve cardiovascular health.

Want another benefit of L-theanine? It’s very easy to take. L-theanine is in every MoonBrew flavor. It is one of the many all-natural ingredients we include to help you get the best sleep of your life. 

Relax and sip your favorite flavor of MoonBrew before bedtime, and get ready for a deep, testing sleep, without the hangover.

Cognitive shuffling will be more effective if you combine it with other sleep-supporting techniques, including the following: 

1. Follow a Sleep Routine: Going to sleep and waking up at the same time each day prepares your body for sleep and ensures you wake up well-rested. 
2. Create a Comfortable Environment in Your Bedroom: A sleep-promoting environment includes a comfortable mattress, soft sheets, blackout curtains to block light, and a white noise machine to reduce wakeful noises. You should also set your thermostat to around 65 degrees Fahrenheit to promote better sleep. 
3. Engage in Sleep-Promoting Activities Before Bed: Before bedtime, engage in a relaxing activity, like reading or meditating, so you fall asleep quickly. 
4. Avoid Devices: Devices emit blue light that can interfere with melatonin production. They also increase the likelihood that you will encounter a stress-producing email or social media text. Shut down devices at least an hour before bedtime to maintain relaxation. 
5. Try a Natural Supplement: Several all-natural supplements can help you fall asleep faster. Melatonin is a popular choice, but researchers are uncertain of its long-term effects. MoonBrew combines the power of chamomile, adaptogens, magnesium, and other all-natural ingredients to ensure you fall asleep safely, without side effects. 

Although L-theanine is primarily safe, some side effects should be considered. For example, tea containing L-theanine also tends to contain caffeine, leading to digestive issues and irritability when consumed in large amounts. Fortunately, MoonBrew is 100% caffeine free. So you get all the benefits of L-theanine without the digestive risks.

L-theanine is an all-natural solution for better sleep and relaxation. It interacts with the brain to produce soothing reactions and reduce stress. Other benefits include its ability to lower blood pressure and improve cognitive function. 

Try MoonBrew today and see how L-theanine can improve your sleep—and your health overall.