Evidence brief · Supplement
L-Tryptophan / 5-HTP for Sleep latency
Evidence grade C — Modest
- Overall grade
- Grade C
- Last revised
- 1
- graded outcome
- 0
- references listed
Assembled by the app from other entries in this library. It adds no evidence of its own — follow the links to the entries it draws on.
1 at grade C — 1 graded row
What is known
Each outcome with its grade (how strong the evidence is, A to D), the size of the effect where the entry records one, and how often studies agree.
- Sleep latencyEvidence grade C
Modest
Smallmixed
What is uncertain
Read off the same rows as above. Nothing here is added that the entry does not itself record.
- Thin evidence: Sleep latency (grade C).
The evidence in words
The verdict
For sleep latency, L-Tryptophan / 5-HTP earns evidence grade C (small effect, mixed consistency) — the evidence is limited or mixed. Modest
How it might work
Supplying precursor can raise serotonin and downstream melatonin, plausibly aiding sleep onset and mood.
How to use it
Tryptophan 1–3 g or 5-HTP 100–300 mg before bed — only after confirming you take no serotonergic medication.
Safety & cautions
The serotonergic-drug interaction is the headline risk. Historical contamination concerns with tryptophan underscore buying reputable products.
Bottom line
Modest for sleep and mood, and the single riskiest common supplement to combine with antidepressants. Never stack with serotonergic drugs.
How it is used
As the entry records it, from the studies it summarises. Not a recommendation for you — doses that suit a trial population may not suit you.
- Standard
- Tryptophan 1–3 g or 5-HTP 100–300 mg pre-bed.
Goes with
- L-Tryptophan / 5-HTPRead the full L-Tryptophan / 5-HTP monographEvidence grade C
Related reading
Entries that share this one's tags or conditions.
- L-Tryptophan / 5-HTP for Mood / anxiety (5-HTP)Evidence grade C — Limited qualityEvidence grade C
- L-Tryptophan / 5-HTP: dosage and how to take itTryptophan 1–3 g or 5-HTP 100–300 mg pre-bed.Evidence grade C
- L-Tryptophan / 5-HTP: side effects, safety & interactionsThe serotonergic-drug interaction is the headline risk. Historical contamination concerns with tryptophan underscore buyEvidence grade C
- ApigeninThe chamomile flavone behind the bedtime-tea calm — mild, benign, thinly studied as an isolated supplement.Evidence grade C
Sources
This entry lists no references of its own — it is assembled from the entries it links to, whose sources are on their pages.
Last revised . A grade is this entry's reading of the evidence, not medical advice.