5-HTP and L-Theanine and sleep

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We're going to try out 5-HTP and L-Theanine to help with our severe insomnia problems. We're hoping they help in conjunction with the melatonin and trazodone we're already taking. We've tried many others prescription meds and do not like them (especially Seroquel), so we're hoping the natural remedies will work. Has anyone had any experience with these with sleep? How long do they take to work? Thanks for any feedback!

When I hit 34, insomnia became a real problem. I have tried 5-HTP as well as L-tryptophan (these are basically the same), and they did not help with insomnia but when taken during the day can really help you relax. After years of trying all kinds of prescription and natural remedies, the best solution for me has been this:

-one valerian root capsule before bed (not two)
-no alcohol (even one beer can interfere with sleep quality)
-no caffeine after noon
-very little to drink with dinner (so you won't wake up having to pee)

So far, this has been a reliable formula, but it's hard to always stay away from beer or wine. Whenever I do drink, I just resign myself to the fact that the next day is going to suck. Lunesta made me stay up all night, and Ambien works but then you feel tired and angry all day.