Taking Phosphatidylserine for sleep disorders has been found effective in limited clinical trials and in user reviews posted online.
Phosphatidylserine can provide relief from sleep issues by regulating the chemical causes of mental and physical stress.
A natural phospholipid found within every cell in our bodies, higher Phosphatidylserine levels are conducive to a relaxed, peaceful state of mind, without the uncontrollable hormonal spikes which accompany many cases of insomnia.
In combination with a few other easy lifestyle choices, taking Phosphatidylserine for sleeping trouble is a viable solution for this very common problem. Here’s what we know about how it works and what doses work best for sleep issues.



- Supports memory function & cognition
- Boosts neuron health & communication
- May improve mood, sleep & relaxation
How Stress Causes Sleeplessness
Related Topics
Insomnia is so common in modern life that many people mistake it for an actual neurological disorder, but it is not.
In fact, insomnia is simply the side effect of any one of dozens of other bodily and mental conditions.
It can last for just one night, or for weeks, months or longer, coming and going as the contributing factors flare up without warning.
The number one cause of sleeplessness is a restless mind brought on by stress and anxiety. The inability to calm down thoughts, after a difficult work day, or simply during a generally stressful period, can easily interfere with normal sleep cycles.
This problem has a chemical basis. When the mind perceives stress, it instructs the adrenal cortex to release a steroid hormone called cortisol. Cortisol serves a vital function at times of great physical danger or duress – it ramps up metabolism, burning both fat and muscle to generate instant energy, while deprioritizing other systems like immunity response.
In very extreme situations, such as life-threatening cold weather, or perhaps being chased by a wild animal, this cortisol response could keep you alive. However, if you are simply lying in bed feeling stress about a work project, cortisol can keep you feeling wired and utterly unable to sleep. Taking Phosphatidylserine for sleep may be a great solution for this issue.
How Phosphatidylserine Works in the Brain
Phosphatidylserine, among many other functions, exists within our cells in order to regulate metabolism and stress reactions. It naturally polices the amount of cortisol present and neutralizes it when there is an excess. This makes it the perfect stress fighter.
However in the case of an extreme or repeated stress attack, the amount of Phosphatidylserine we have in our systems is no match for the flood of cortisol that is released.
This is where supplementation comes in. If you know that you are in a state of chronic stress-related imbalance, such as with insomnia sufferers, you can augment your body’s supply of Phosphatidylserine by taking a few small doses of it per day. This can help keep runaway blood sugar levels in check.
Other Benefits of Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine has other proven cognitive benefits that also play into the sleep equation. It contains choline, a powerful natural nutrient that has become famous in recent years as a brain-boosting nootropic supplement. Choline has wide range of mental benefits, including improving memory, creating a sensation of clear-headedness, enhancing mental focus, and gently lifting mood.
Moving through your day with this sense of clarity and mental confidence prevents stressors from piling up and becoming unmanageable. Simple problems that might blossom out of control due to brain fog can be easily handled and released. This means less likelihood of a restless, troubled mind at bedtime.
Choline and its direct product acetylcholine also facilitate neuroplasticity in the brain. This means that learning is easier, as is the formation of new logic and new memories.
All of these factors combine to create a mental landscape that is adaptable and flexible. A flexible mind is less inclined to be enveloped in stress. One of the countless benefits of this is improved sleep in general.
Overall, Choline is a great partner to taking Phosphatidylserine for sleep. It is even reported to improve REM sleep, promote dreaming and may make it easier to enter lucid dreaming states.
Dosage and Timing
The recommended dosage for Phosphatidylserine is about 300 mg per day, taken at morning, noon, and afternoon. This supplement is not meant as sleeping pill, and will not automatically induce sleep within an hour of taking it. It works best as a gradual reducer of stress levels which will result in better sleep over a period of days and weeks.
Until you are accustomed to its effects, its best to take Phosphatidylserine more towards the earlier part of the day, lest the intense focus it brings contributes to sleeplessness.
Is Taking Phosphatidylserine for Sleep Addictive?
Phosphatidylserine, unlike over the counter sleeping aids, is not addictive and has few reported side effects. It does not trigger any of the classic addiction responses and is quite gentle.
It can become a part of a daily supplementation routine, but at any time if you wish to change your routine, you’ll be able to stop taking Phosphatidylserine for sleep without any trouble of withdrawal of any kind. It is non-habit forming, and can be taken either every day, or casually as the need arises.
Taking Phosphatidylserine for sleep is a safe, natural approach to stopping insomnia at its root, by cutting stress.
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Article last updated on: March 25th, 2018 by Nootriment
1 Comment
Interesting and helpful information. I’ve been taking phosphytidyl serine early morning, going to try later in the day. Maybe, hopefully, I’ll be able to sleep better.