GABA

Primary inhibitory neurotransmitter; oral bioavailability is debated but some trials show sleep & stress benefits.

sleepstresscalmanxiety

Evidence last reviewed: 04 Apr 2026

Buy this ingredient ← Back

Trade-offs & context

Known concerns, timing considerations, & interactions

Interaction

Additive CNS sedation with benzodiazepines, alcohol, and other sleeping aids

Note

Oral GABA has limited blood-brain-barrier penetration — most supplements act peripherally; central effects may be minimal

Tolerance

Tingling, flushing, or mild shortness of breath at higher doses — generally harmless but can be alarming

Dot colour: ●High concern ●Moderate ● Low / note

Biomarkers studied

Outcomes directly measured across the evidence records below

Sleep

Sleep LatencySleep Quality (subjective)

Cognitive

Perceived Stress

Evidence

1 record

Sleep quality / stress / relaxation

Adults with stress or mild insomnia • RCTs (small)

PUBMEDLow

Some trials show improved sleep latency & subjective relaxation; bioavailability & CNS crossing remain debated.

Dose: 100 mgDuration: Acute to 4 weeks

Citation: Yamatsu et al. 2016; Byun et al. 2018

Often combined with L-theanine or magnesium for sleep stacks.

Forms

Pharma GABA (PharmaGABA)

Naturally derived; some evidence for CNS effects.

Synthetic GABA

Standard supplement form; CNS crossing disputed.

Stacks containing GABA

Public community stacks that include this ingredient.

Explore all stacks →

sleeprelaxationcalm

Sleep Quality & Relaxation

by@athlete

GABA & apigenin are combined to improve sleep quality & promote relaxation. GABA is a neurotransmitter that induces calmness, while apigenin has sedative effects that enhance sleep.

GABA

500mg

Apigenin

50mg

New

View