Gamma-aminobutyric acid, GABA for short, is the neurotransmitter that makes you rest, and also grow.
If you're one of those who suffers from insomnia watching late-night ads, and those who sell electrostimulation belts to have abs, I must tell you that you'll never have those abs. Sleep deprivation interferes with recovery and muscle growth, i. e., not sleeping is fattening.
To great evils, great remedies. When talking about neurotransmitters, everyone knows dopamine, which activates the reward centers and is triggered by drugs and cravings. But fewer people know that gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA is the brain's main inhibitory neurotransmitter, that is, it is the one that counteracts excitation signals. GABA "disables" the excitement hormones like adrenaline.
A dose of between 0.5 and 5g of GABA an hour before bedtime reduces arousal and facilitates the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. At the same time, it has been proven that GABA stimulates the production of growth hormone, which is responsible for your tissues regenerating during the night, and your muscles growing after sports.
Serotonin, the neurotransmitter that keeps us alert, cancels out the effects of GABA. Keeping the serotonin high is okay to avoid depression, but not so much if we want to sleep. One way to regulate serotonin levels is to take tryptophan along with GABA. Tryptophan, or its precursor 5-HTTP, is an amino acid that cancels serotonin, and you will find, in addition to as a supplement in tablet form, in chicken or turkey. It's a good recipe for dinner.