Last update
5/22/2026
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 3 Researches
7.7
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 14 Reviews
8.2
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Tablet
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calcium (as Dibasic Calcium Phosphate)
32 mg
2%
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)[from Griffonia simplicifolia) (seed)
100 mg
*
Top Medical Research Studies
8
5-HTP nanoparticles improve sleep
We investigated how a new composite nanoparticle system can enhance the sleep-promoting effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP).
By encapsulating 5-HTP in nanoparticles made from β-cyclodextrin and corn starch, we aimed to improve its sustained release and effectiveness.
Our findings showed that these nanoparticles significantly alleviated sleep-related issues in mice, helping to stabilize circadian rhythms and reduce symptoms caused by sleep deprivation.
This approach offers a promising avenue for efficiently using 5-HTP in sleep improvement products.
By encapsulating 5-HTP in nanoparticles made from β-cyclodextrin and corn starch, we aimed to improve its sustained release and effectiveness.
Our findings showed that these nanoparticles significantly alleviated sleep-related issues in mice, helping to stabilize circadian rhythms and reduce symptoms caused by sleep deprivation.
This approach offers a promising avenue for efficiently using 5-HTP in sleep improvement products.
Read More
8
We investigated how 5-hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) affects insomnia caused by parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA). In our research, we found that while one variant of 5HTP had no impact, another effectively suppressed insomnia and restored sleep phases, specifically slow-wave sleep (SWS) and paradoxical sleep (PS), albeit after some delay. When administered through different methods, 5HTP resulted in physiological sleep, yet its effect on PS was inconsistent, particularly when certain suppressants were introduced. In brief, 5HTP appears to play a role in sleep restoration, but responses can vary.
Read More
7
We explored the impact of L-5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on insomnia caused by para-chlorophenylalanine, a compound that blocks serotonin production. This investigation revealed that microinjection of 5-HTP into the hypothalamus helped restore slow and paradoxical sleep, though insomnia returned afterward. Despite the initial improvement, the insomnia remained persistent, with no significant suppression of the abnormal brain activity linked to the treated condition. Overall, while 5-HTP showed some potential benefits, its effectiveness in creating lasting relief for insomnia was limited.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Better mood and sleep
52 people found this helpful
I've dealt with insomnia for 23 years. Using this natural supplement has improved my sleep quality significantly. I'm enjoying deeper sleep and a better mood. I've recommended it to my mother, who also finds it beneficial. After trying multiple medications with undesirable side effects, this has been the best option for me.
Read More
9
Maintaining sleep support
11 people found this helpful
I struggle with "sleep maintenance" insomnia; I can fall asleep but awaken early and can't return to sleep. I've tried melatonin, valerian, and chamomile tea without success. Dr. Susan Blum advocates for 5-HTP for those who wake early, leading me to try Natrol's time-release version. It works well! I take 100mg before bed and have no other sleep aids. I now sleep through the night and feel more optimistic during the day.
Read More
9
Gentle on stomach
1 people found this helpful
I absolutely love this product. It doesn't upset my stomach as many other brands do, and it actually works. I suffer from reactive gastritis and other brands often give me insomnia, possibly due to their effects on my gut. The slow-release formula seems to provide a buffer. It's like magic. I take 1-2 at night, depending on how wired I feel.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 3 Researches
7.7
- All Researches
8
5-HTP nanoparticles improve sleep
We investigated how a new composite nanoparticle system can enhance the sleep-promoting effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP).
By encapsulating 5-HTP in nanoparticles made from β-cyclodextrin and corn starch, we aimed to improve its sustained release and effectiveness.
Our findings showed that these nanoparticles significantly alleviated sleep-related issues in mice, helping to stabilize circadian rhythms and reduce symptoms caused by sleep deprivation.
This approach offers a promising avenue for efficiently using 5-HTP in sleep improvement products.
By encapsulating 5-HTP in nanoparticles made from β-cyclodextrin and corn starch, we aimed to improve its sustained release and effectiveness.
Our findings showed that these nanoparticles significantly alleviated sleep-related issues in mice, helping to stabilize circadian rhythms and reduce symptoms caused by sleep deprivation.
This approach offers a promising avenue for efficiently using 5-HTP in sleep improvement products.
Read More
8
We investigated how 5-hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) affects insomnia caused by parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA). In our research, we found that while one variant of 5HTP had no impact, another effectively suppressed insomnia and restored sleep phases, specifically slow-wave sleep (SWS) and paradoxical sleep (PS), albeit after some delay. When administered through different methods, 5HTP resulted in physiological sleep, yet its effect on PS was inconsistent, particularly when certain suppressants were introduced. In brief, 5HTP appears to play a role in sleep restoration, but responses can vary.
Read More
7
We explored the impact of L-5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on insomnia caused by para-chlorophenylalanine, a compound that blocks serotonin production. This investigation revealed that microinjection of 5-HTP into the hypothalamus helped restore slow and paradoxical sleep, though insomnia returned afterward. Despite the initial improvement, the insomnia remained persistent, with no significant suppression of the abnormal brain activity linked to the treated condition. Overall, while 5-HTP showed some potential benefits, its effectiveness in creating lasting relief for insomnia was limited.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 14 Reviews
8.2
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Better mood and sleep
52 people found this helpful
I've dealt with insomnia for 23 years. Using this natural supplement has improved my sleep quality significantly. I'm enjoying deeper sleep and a better mood. I've recommended it to my mother, who also finds it beneficial. After trying multiple medications with undesirable side effects, this has been the best option for me.
Read More
9
Maintaining sleep support
11 people found this helpful
I struggle with "sleep maintenance" insomnia; I can fall asleep but awaken early and can't return to sleep. I've tried melatonin, valerian, and chamomile tea without success. Dr. Susan Blum advocates for 5-HTP for those who wake early, leading me to try Natrol's time-release version. It works well! I take 100mg before bed and have no other sleep aids. I now sleep through the night and feel more optimistic during the day.
Read More
9
Gentle on stomach
1 people found this helpful
I absolutely love this product. It doesn't upset my stomach as many other brands do, and it actually works. I suffer from reactive gastritis and other brands often give me insomnia, possibly due to their effects on my gut. The slow-release formula seems to provide a buffer. It's like magic. I take 1-2 at night, depending on how wired I feel.
Read More
1
Not effective for me
1 people found this helpful
Unfortunately, this product doesn't seem to do anything for my insomnia. It's a pity, as I was hoping for better results.
Read More
9
Sleep quality improvement
5-HTP has been a true find in my battle against insomnia and anxiety. Since starting it, I've noticed a significant improvement in my sleep quality. I fall asleep more quickly and sleep deeper and more restoratively, also stabilising my mood and reducing stress, particularly in challenging times. I appreciate its natural origin and gentle non-addictive action; it's perfect for those wishing to enhance their emotional state and restore healthy sleep naturally.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
2
Ineffective treatment
I have tried many things for insomnia, but these did not help. They might as well have been sugar pills, as I noticed no change at all in my sleep.
9
Gentle on stomach
1 people found this helpful
I absolutely love this product. It doesn't upset my stomach as many other brands do, and it actually works. I suffer from reactive gastritis and other brands often give me insomnia, possibly due to their effects on my gut. The slow-release formula seems to provide a buffer. It's like magic. I take 1-2 at night, depending on how wired I feel.
8
5-HTP nanoparticles improve sleep
We investigated how a new composite nanoparticle system can enhance the sleep-promoting effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP).
By encapsulating 5-HTP in nanoparticles made from β-cyclodextrin and corn starch, we aimed to improve its sustained release and effectiveness.
Our findings showed that these nanoparticles significantly alleviated sleep-related issues in mice, helping to stabilize circadian rhythms and reduce symptoms caused by sleep deprivation.
This approach offers a promising avenue for efficiently using 5-HTP in sleep improvement products.
By encapsulating 5-HTP in nanoparticles made from β-cyclodextrin and corn starch, we aimed to improve its sustained release and effectiveness.
Our findings showed that these nanoparticles significantly alleviated sleep-related issues in mice, helping to stabilize circadian rhythms and reduce symptoms caused by sleep deprivation.
This approach offers a promising avenue for efficiently using 5-HTP in sleep improvement products.
7
We explored the impact of L-5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on insomnia caused by para-chlorophenylalanine, a compound that blocks serotonin production. This investigation revealed that microinjection of 5-HTP into the hypothalamus helped restore slow and paradoxical sleep, though insomnia returned afterward. Despite the initial improvement, the insomnia remained persistent, with no significant suppression of the abnormal brain activity linked to the treated condition. Overall, while 5-HTP showed some potential benefits, its effectiveness in creating lasting relief for insomnia was limited.
8
We investigated how 5-hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) affects insomnia caused by parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA). In our research, we found that while one variant of 5HTP had no impact, another effectively suppressed insomnia and restored sleep phases, specifically slow-wave sleep (SWS) and paradoxical sleep (PS), albeit after some delay. When administered through different methods, 5HTP resulted in physiological sleep, yet its effect on PS was inconsistent, particularly when certain suppressants were introduced. In brief, 5HTP appears to play a role in sleep restoration, but responses can vary.
References
- Gao L, Gu L, Li W, Wang G, Zhao J, et al. Construction of composite nanoparticles of β-cyclodextrin and corn starch encapsulating 5-hydroxytryptophan for sustained release and sleep improvement in vivo. Int J Biol Macromol. 2025;303:140831. 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.140831
- Denoyer M, Sallanon M, Kitahama K, Aubert C, Jouvet M. Reversibility of para-chlorophenylalanine-induced insomnia by intrahypothalamic microinjection of L-5-hydroxytryptophan. Neuroscience. 1989;28:83. PubMed
- Petitjean F, Buda C, Janin M, Sallanon M, Jouvet M. [Insomnia caused by administration of para-chlorophenylalanine: reversibility by peripheral or central injection of 5-hydroxytryptophan and serotonin]. Sleep. 1985;8:56. PubMed
