L-Theanine involves promoting healthy levels of GABA in the brain, as well as a few other calming chemicals, like serotonin and dopamine. Each of these chemicals is considered a neurotransmitter, which, in its most basic sense, helps to send messages back and forth between neurons.
When functioning appropriately, these neurotransmitters help regulate our emotions, help balance mood, aid in concentration, and help promote alertness and healthy sleep
In addition to promoting healthy levels of GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, L-Theanine also helps to support healthy stress management in the brain.
L-Theanine also is able to enhance the brain waves in a way that can cause them to revert to an “alpha” wave pattern. Alpha waves are the waves that are seen when we are completely relaxed, in both body and mind. This wave pattern, also known as wakeful relaxation, is also associated with an increase in the production of serotonin.