Progress in Research on the Mechanism of GABA in Improving Sleep.
- 2025-11-11
- Foods (Basel, Switzerland) 14(22)
- Shuyu Li
- Yanhui Li
- Chunxu Xue
- Ying Zhang
- Tong Tong
- Zijun Ouyang
- Dong Liu
- Jun Cai
- Haiyan Sun
- PubMed: 41300013
- DOI: 10.3390/foods14223856
Study Design
- Type
- Review
Sleep disorders represent a growing global health concern with significant socio-economic impacts. GABA, a natural bioactive compound abundant in various fermented foods, especially probiotic-fermented foods, has garnered increasing attention for its potential to improve sleep quality. This review systematically elucidates the multi-pathway mechanisms by which GABA regulates sleep, focusing on (1) indirect modulation of central sleep-wake circuits via the gut-brain axis through vagal nerve, neuroendocrine, and immune pathways; (2) potential entry into the brain by leveraging the dynamic permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and transporter-mediated active transport; and (3) metabolic conversion into active substances like γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), which synergistically optimizes sleep architecture via multiple receptor systems and energy metabolism. Furthermore, we summarize the sleep-promoting effects of GABA-enriched foods observed in animal and clinical studies and discuss emerging applications, including high-GABA-yielding probiotics and personalized nutrition strategies for sleep intervention. This review provides a theoretical basis and innovative directions for the development of GABA-based functional foods and sleep health management.