Awesome Sleep Aid and Mood Booster
Source Naturals L-Tryptophan has performed miracles for me.  It's an amino acid that helps build the brain's feel-good chemical, serotonin.  I've used it for about 2 years after reading [[ASIN:0142003646 The Mood Cure: The 4-Step Program to Take Charge of Your Emotions--Today]] for its nutritional advice, upon the recommendation of this book: [[ASIN:0553380788 Protein Power: The High-Protein/Low-Carbohydrate Way to Lose Weight, Feel Fit, and Boost Your Health--in Just Weeks!]].<br /><br />I was shocked by the difference it made for me in the quality and quantity of my sleep. I'd spent the last year or two waking up, wide awake, at 3:30 in the morning & was unable to go back to sleep.  I take 1500 mg of Tryptophan (3 500 mg capsules) and 400 mg of chelated magnesium before bed and now enjoy deep and restful sleep.  [I've recently added in another supplement, melatonin; you can read more about that at the end of this review].<br /><br />I find that I am more resilient, resistant to stress, & easygoing since taking tryptophan.<br /><br />I experienced its incredible mood-boosting effect earlier this year after enduring a ruptured appendix.  I suffered several complications & had to be put on super strong antibiotics that depleted all my B Vitamins and sent me into a quick but INTENSE bout of post-surgical depression (much like what heart bypass surgery patients experience, according to my surgeon).  I spoke with my physician to get his approval, then took just 500 mg of tryptophan that afternoon and then 1500 at bedtime, as usual, and bounced back to my usual cheerful self within JUST 2 DAYS.<br /><br />Just a suggestion--be sure you're taking it on an EMPTY stomach (about 1-1/2 hours after eating anything).<br /><br />This is an amino acid & any trace of protein in your stomach will compete with the tryptophan. Don't take with milk; take with water (some experts suggest a couple of sips of apple juice--but I use H2o).<br /><br />If 3 capsules at bedtime (or an hour before) on an empty stomach won't do the trick after a few days, then it's possible you aren't low on serotonin.  If you awake groggy, you're taking too much.<br /><br />Here's something else that works: 400 mg of CHELATED magnesium (not just magnesium oxide, make sure it is chelated magnesium); the best I know of is this one: [[ASIN:B00014D2DW Chelated Magnesium 200mg - 180 - Tablet]]. Works wonders for sleep and health; most Americans' magnesium levels are chronically low, which can lead to heart issues and other preventable diseases. Get this book to learn more: [[ASIN:1583331565 The Magnesium Factor]].<br /><br />Hope this helps someone out there; I wish I'd known about tryptophan 10 years ago!<br /><br />P.S.  For hardcore insomniacs for which tryptophan won't do the trick (give it time & remember to take on an empty stomach), try some melatonin; read my review of this product for more detailed info:  [[ASIN:B001G7R49Q Source Naturals Melatonin Complex Sublingual Peppermint, 100 tablets (Pack of 2)]]<br /><br />****UPDATE P.S.  Also, please remember that supplements work slowly, over time.  Metabolisms vary.  Educate yourself; I highly recommend you start with [[ASIN:0142003646 The Mood Cure: The 4-Step Program to Take Charge of Your Emotions--Today]] to quickly "zero in" on your own personalized needs.  Good Health (and good sleep) to All!
Rating: 5 stars