This article is for educational and general wellness purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are noticing changes in your body or have questions about your health, please consult a knowledgeable healthcare provider.

This post summarizes a research review that looked across 14 studies on GABA, focusing specifically on what researchers have explored regarding relaxation and restful sleep. The review found ongoing scientific interest in both areas, with the researchers noting that the science around sleep appeared to have more accumulated study behind it — while also observing that overall cognitive effects of GABA were not the focus of this particular body of research.

GABA is an amino acid that plays a role in nervous-system function, and researchers have been examining how it relates to the body's general sense of calm and to sleep patterns. This kind of review-level research helps build a picture of where the science currently stands — and where further study is still underway.

Read the full review: Frontiers in Neuroscience — GABA and its effects on sleep and stress (2020)