The effects of L-theanine consumption on sleep outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

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

The effects of L-theanine consumption on sleep outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Bulman et al., 2025 | Sleep Med Rev | Meta Analysis

Citation

Bulman Amanda, D'Cunha Nathan M, ... Naumovski Nenad. The effects of L-theanine consumption on sleep outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Med Rev. 2025-Jun;81:102076. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2025.102076

Abstract

This systematic review ansd meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of L-theanine, a non-proteinogenic amino acid found in tea, on sleep outcomes. Literature searches were conducted in five electronic databases (APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science), and one register (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from inception until September 2024. Randomised controlled trials investigating the effects of L-theanine supplementation on sleep quality in humans of all ages and health status were included. Nineteen articles (N = 897 participants) were selected and 18 included in the meta-analysis. L-theanine was shown to significantly improve subjective sleep onset latency (SMD = 0.15, 95 % CI [0.01, 0.29], p = 0.04; n = 10 studies), subjective daytime dysfunction (SMD = 0.33, 95 % CI [0.16, 0.49], p < 0.001; n = 9 studies), and overall subjective sleep quality score (SMD = 0.43, 95 % CI [0.04, 0.83], p = 0.03; n = 12 studies). The findings indicate the potential use of L-theanine in the management of sleep disturbances; however, the lack of studies on "pure" L-theanine warrants further investigation. Future studies are needed to determine the adequate dose and duration of L-theanine supplementation for improving and maintaining sleep quality in healthy and clinical populations.

Key Findings

Future studies are needed to determine the adequate dose and duration of L-theanine supplementation for improving and maintaining sleep quality in healthy and clinical populations.

Outcomes Measured

  • sleep quality
  • sleep onset latency

Population

Field Value
Population healthy and
Sample Size 897
Age Range See abstract
Condition sleep

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Glutamates
  • Sleep Quality
  • Sleep
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: l-theanine-anxiety

Provenance

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