Serine

L-serine is an amino acid which is a precursor to several other amino acids (including glycine and L-cysteine, and of some cell membrane lipids. Ito et al. 2014 report that it has an extensive role in protein synthesis and intracellular metabolism.

Potential uses
L-serine is

Evidence
Two small randomized double-blinded crossover studies (clinical trials) by Ito et al. (2014) found that a dose of 3g (3000mg) or L-serine improved sleep maintenance and reduced time until sleep compared to a placebo treatment.

Costs and availability
L-serine is inexpensive and available over the counter as a capsule or powder.

Learn more

 * [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4155056/ Effects of L-serine ingestion on human sleep (2014)