Complete clinical monograph for Glycine (3g pharmaceutical-grade) — the thermoregulatory amino acid for sleep onset, next-day cognition, and cellular protection in Neuraldrink
The amino acid that cools you into sleep and powers you through tomorrow. Glycine is the simplest amino acid by structure, yet one of the most profoundly versatile in function. At the clinical dose of 3 grams — precisely what Neuraldrink delivers — glycine initiates a thermoregulatory cascade that lowers core body temperature by ~0.3°C, signaling the brain that it’s time to sleep. But this is just the beginning: glycine also acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter (promoting calm), an NMDA receptor co-agonist (supporting learning and memory), and a precursor to glutathione (the body’s master antioxidant). Clinical trials demonstrate that 3g glycine before bed shortens sleep latency, improves sleep efficiency, and — remarkably — enhances next-day cognitive performance and reduces fatigue. Its natural sweetness and exceptional water solubility make glycine the ideal functional beverage ingredient. In Neuraldrink, GlyciWave Glycine transforms your evening ritual into a scientifically-validated pathway to better sleep and sharper mornings.
Mechanism of Action
Glycine exerts its effects through four distinct but interconnected mechanisms:
This is glycine’s most distinctive mechanism — and the key to its sleep-promoting effects:
Step
Physiological Event
Magnitude
1. Absorption
Glycine crosses BBB
Within 30-60 min
2. SCN activation
NMDA receptors in suprachiasmatic nucleus
Dose-dependent
3. Vasodilation
Peripheral blood vessel dilation
Measurable ↑ blood flow
4. Heat dissipation
Heat loss through extremities
~0.28-0.3°C drop
5. Sleep signal
Core cooling triggers sleep onset
Faster sleep latency
Why temperature matters for sleep:
The body naturally cools by 1-2°C during sleep onset. This temperature drop is not merely correlated with sleep — it’s causally involved in initiating it. Glycine accelerates this natural process by activating peripheral heat loss mechanisms.
The relationship between body temperature and sleep is one of the most fundamental in chronobiology:
Time
Core Temperature
Sleep State
Afternoon
~37.0-37.2°C
Peak alertness
Evening
~36.8°C
Winding down
Sleep onset
~36.5°C
Sleep-permissive
Sleep nadir
~36.0°C
Deep sleep
Pre-wake
Rising
Preparation for waking
The 0.3°C threshold: Research shows that a drop of approximately 0.3°C in core temperature is associated with sleep onset. Glycine accelerates this natural drop.
Glycine works with the body’s natural sleep architecture rather than overriding it. This explains why glycine improves next-day performance rather than impairing it.
The Glycine Paradox Resolved: Unlike sedative sleep aids that impair next-day function, glycine improves it. This is because glycine works through natural thermoregulation rather than GABA-A sedation, preserving sleep architecture and cognitive function.
Glycine complements other Neuraldrink ingredients:
Ingredient
Glycine Synergy
Combined Benefit
L-Theanine
Both promote calm
Enhanced relaxation
Magnesium
Both support NMDA function
Sleep + cognitive
Electrolytes
Glycine aids absorption
Hydration support
Formulation Excellence: Glycine’s exceptional solubility (~25g/100mL), natural sweetness, and complete stability make it one of the most beverage-compatible bioactives available. The clinical 3g dose dissolves instantly and contributes pleasant sweetness without any off-flavors.
Yamadera W et al. Glycine ingestion improves subjective sleep quality in human volunteers, correlating with polysomnographic changes. Sleep Biol Rhythms. 2007;5:126-131. DOI
Inagawa K et al. Subjective effects of glycine ingestion before bedtime on sleep quality. Sleep Biol Rhythms. 2006;4:75-77.
Bannai M et al. The effects of glycine on subjective daytime performance in partially sleep-restricted healthy volunteers. Front Neurol. 2012;3:61. PubMed
Mechanism:
Kawai N et al. The sleep-promoting and hypothermic effects of glycine are mediated by NMDA receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2015;40(6):1405-16. PubMed
Safety:
Inagawa K et al. Assessment of acute adverse events of glycine ingestion at high doses in human volunteers. J Urban Life Health Assoc. 2006;50:27-32.
Tier Rationale: Tier 1 (Foundation) classification. Glycine is one of the most well-validated natural sleep aids, with multiple RCTs demonstrating benefits at the 3g dose for sleep onset, sleep quality, and next-day cognition. The mechanism is uniquely elegant: NMDA-mediated thermoregulation via the suprachiasmatic nucleus — working with natural sleep physiology rather than overriding it. This explains why glycine improves rather than impairs next-day function. Additional benefits as a glutathione precursor, NMDA co-agonist, and inhibitory neurotransmitter add multi-dimensional value. Safety is excellent with GRAS status and no adverse events at clinical doses. Exceptional beverage compatibility (solubility, sweetness, stability) makes glycine ideal for Neuraldrink’s format.
Sleeping pills (benzodiazepines, Z-drugs) work by forcing GABA-A sedation, which disrupts natural sleep architecture and impairs next-day function. Glycine works through natural thermoregulation — lowering core temperature via the brain’s circadian clock (SCN). This preserves normal sleep stages and actually enhances next-day cognition. It’s the difference between being sedated and being helped to fall asleep naturally.
Will I feel groggy the next morning?
No — the opposite is true. Clinical studies show glycine improves next-day cognition, reduces fatigue, and increases alertness. Subjects report feeling “clear-headed,” “lively,” and “peppy” the morning after glycine. This is unique among sleep aids.
Why 3 grams? Is more better?
3 grams is the clinically-validated dose — all positive sleep studies used this amount. It’s the threshold needed to trigger the 0.3°C temperature drop that initiates sleep. Higher doses (up to 9g) have been studied for safety but don’t show additional sleep benefits. The 3g dose is the “Goldilocks” zone: effective, safe, and beverage-compatible.
How quickly does it work?
Most people notice effects on the first or second night. Peak thermoregulatory effect occurs about 30-60 minutes after ingestion. Full benefits, especially for next-day cognition, build over the first week of consistent use.
Can I take glycine with other sleep supplements?
Yes. Glycine works through thermoregulation (NMDA/SCN) while most other sleep supplements work through GABA pathways. They’re complementary. In Neuraldrink, glycine synergizes well with L-Theanine and Magnesium. The calming effects may be additive, so start with recommended doses.
Why does glycine taste sweet?
Glycine’s name comes from Greek glykys meaning “sweet.” Its molecular structure activates sweet taste receptors, providing about 70% the sweetness of sugar. This natural sweetness helps Neuraldrink taste pleasant without excessive added sweeteners.
Does glycine have benefits beyond sleep?
Yes. Glycine is a precursor to glutathione (master antioxidant), essential for collagen synthesis (skin, joints, bones), and involved in creatine production (muscle energy). It also acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter (calming) and NMDA co-agonist (learning, memory). The 3g dose in Neuraldrink supports all these pathways.
GlyciWave Summary: Glycine (3,000mg in Neuraldrink) is a clinically-validated sleep enhancer that works through a unique thermoregulatory mechanism — activating NMDA receptors in the brain’s master clock (SCN) to lower core body temperature and trigger natural sleep onset. Unlike sedatives that impair next-day function, glycine enhances morning cognition, reduces fatigue, and improves alertness. Additional benefits as a glutathione precursor, NMDA co-agonist for learning, and inhibitory neurotransmitter make it multi-functional. Its exceptional water solubility and natural sweetness make glycine the ideal functional beverage ingredient. In Neuraldrink, GlyciWave delivers the full clinical dose for better sleep tonight and a sharper tomorrow.
