Sleepwalking

[rudderda]

I thought I would share a (possible?) treatment for sleepwalking. I've had a severe sleepwalking problem for the past couple of years. Several months ago, I started taking GABA as a nutritional supplement. I noticed that it drastically reduced the frequency and severity of my sleepwalking. My problem was so severe that I would wake up with bruises, cuts, burns, and black eyes. I would sometimes cause damage to items in my home, and once set fire to a dish towel while trying to cook in my sleep. I also would frequently wake up in places other than where I went to bed. After using GABA at night for a few months, I've found that my symptoms have almost completely remitted. I still occasionally sleepwalk while under stress, but I don't do anything too severe (for instance, I may just put the shampoo in the fridge and go back to bed). Of course, it is possible that the GABA may have negative health effects that I don't know about; but after waking up twice with cuts and bruises on my face from nocturnal falls, it seems to be worth it.

[the gardener]

Could you tell me what GABA is?

[rudderda]

GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Here is a good quote about GABA from an article in New Scientist magazine:

"GABA is the brain's all-purpose dimmer switch. Old-fashioned hypnotics such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines work by making neurons more sensitive to the soporific effects of GABA. It's also why alcohol makes you sleepy. Even the newer, cleaner sleeping pills, such as the market leader Ambien, work through the GABA system."

GABA has also been purported to increase the amount of Human Growth Hormone in the body, although few studies have been able to document this. It is typically sold as a dietary supplement for bodybuilding or for the treatment of mild anxiety or sleeplessness. Because it is classified as a dietary supplement and not a drug, the FDA has not evaluated these claims. There is also some question as to whether it can cross the blood-brain barrier effectively, at least at the recommended dosage.

I buy GNC's brand of GABA, labelled "GABA 750." The directions say to take 1 to 3 daily, but I scoff at dosage instructions. I usually take 2 a couple hours before bed, and another 2-3 about half an hour before I go to sleep. It sometimes makes me feel a little flushed and gives me a weird metallic taste in my mouth for a few minutes, but then that goes away....

Again, because the FDA hasn't really evaluated GABA supplements for safety (especially at the dosage I take), it is quite possible that it has adverse health effects I don't know about. The risk is worth it to me though -- waking up with a black eye and blood crusted on my face is NOT COOL, and it's happened twice. The first time, I have some memory of an impact and pain, and a recollection of a single thought: "That may have been serious." Then I apparently climbed back into bed to let my eye bleed for a few hours.... The second time it happened, I had no memory of getting hurt whatsoever, I just woke up injured. Very unsettling.....

Hope this helps,
Danielle