What role does tryptophan play in sleep?

Tryptophan plays a crucial role in the body's ability to produce sleep-related chemicals. This essential amino acid is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and contributes to the sleep-wake cycle. Serotonin is then converted into melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep by signaling the body that it is time to wind down. Adequate levels of tryptophan can thus facilitate the synthesis of these important substances, helping to enhance sleep quality and duration. By supporting the production of serotonin and melatonin, tryptophan directly influences the processes that lead to restful sleep.