GABA

What is GABA?

GABA, short for gamma-amino butyric acid, is an amino acid that was originally discovered in Berlin in 1883.  GABA is naturally occurring both in common everyday foods like red peppers, cucumbers and chocolate as well as in people.  In people, GABA is a major neurotransmitter that is widely and abundantly distributed throughout the central nervous system aiding in improvement of communication between nerve impulses.  GABA also plays a role in many systems outside of the central nervous system such as cardiovascular functions.

Dreamerz uses PharmaGABA™, a clinically proven form of GABA that aids in relaxation and stress reduction. 

In over four clinical studies to date, PharmaGABA has been shown to increase alpha brain waves (those that help with relaxation, stress reduction and improved concentration) and decrease beta waves (exhibited in highly stressful situations and difficulty in mental concentration).  These studies provide evidence that administration of GABA may result in increased relaxation and a reduction in anxiety.

Aside from assisting in relaxation, GABA may also improve sleep efficiency, states Michael Murray, MD of Naturopathy.  In a small pilot study conducted by Murray, PharmaGABA helped people fall asleep 20% faster, achieve deeper levels of sleep and stay in a deep sleep for up to 20% longer.*

Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine Research†

In 2007, scientists at Osaka Medical School in Japan showed that administration of GABA to healthy young people led to a relaxed state and a reduction in anxiety. These people were given plain distilled water and distilled water containing 100mg of GABA and sessions of brainwaves were recorded over 7-day intervals. The results of the study showed a significant increase in alpha waves compared to the control and marked decrease in beta waves.  The scientists concluded that these results suggest that GABA intake has relaxing and anxiolytic (anxiety reduction) effects. 
 


 * Murray, Michael T. “PharmaGABA: Natural Support for Stress, Anxiety and Insomnia.”
†Abdou, Adham M. et al. 2006. Relaxation and immunity enhancement of ү-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) administraion in humans.  BioFactors 26:201.