The impact of tryptophan supplementation on sleep quality: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#dietary-supplements #humans #sleep #sleep-quality #tryptophan

The impact of tryptophan supplementation on sleep quality: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression

Sutanto et al., 2022 | Nutr Rev | Meta Analysis

Citation

Sutanto Clarinda N, Loh Wen Wei, Kim Jung Eun. The impact of tryptophan supplementation on sleep quality: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Nutr Rev. 2022-Jan-10;80(2):306-316. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuab027

Abstract

CONTEXT: L-tryptophan (Trp) has been documented to aid sleep, but a systematic compilation of its effect on sleep quality is still limited. OBJECTIVE: We assessed the effect of Trp supplementation on sleep quality via meta-analysis and meta-regression. The effects of daily Trp dose (<1 g and ≥1 g) were also assessed. DATA SOURCES: A database search was done in PubMed, Medline (Ovid), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Cochrane and a total of 18 articles were collected. DATA EXTRACTION: Extracted data from 4 articles were also analyzed using random-effect meta-analysis and meta-regression. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was used in meta-analysis. DATA ANALYSIS: Results from the study suggested that Trp supplementation can shorten wake after sleep onset (-81.03 min/g, P = 0.017; SMD, -1.08 min [95%CI, -1.89 to -0.28]). In addition, the group receiving ≥1 g Trp supplementation had a shorter wake after sleep onset than the group with Trp < 1g supplementation (Trp <1 g vs Trp ≥1 g: 56.55 vs 28.91 min; P = 0.001). However, Trp supplementation did not affect other sleep components. CONCLUSION: Trp supplementation, especially at ≥1 g can help improve sleep quality.

Key Findings

Trp supplementation, especially at ≥1 g can help improve sleep quality.

Outcomes Measured

  • sleep quality

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition sleep

MeSH Terms

  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Sleep
  • Sleep Quality
  • Tryptophan

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: tryptophan-sleep

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09