Oleamide is the Ultimate Relaxation Supplement!

Oleamide is a naturally occurring fatty compound produced by all mammals [1] to help bring on sleep. Modern producers of oleamide often use oleic acid as the starting compound – a molecule found in olive oil. This wonderful molecule was first found in humans as late as 1989.[2] Scientists then found that oleamide was synthesized by human nerve cells using ammonia, oleaic acid, and enzymes. They also discovered that oleamide accumulated in response to sleep deprivation. They found that staying awake for 6 hours longer than normal resulted in a 4 -6 times increase in oleamide levels![3] [caption id=""attachment_998"" align=""aligncenter"" width=""640""] Oleamide is great for relaxation and rest[/caption]

What does it do?

Helps with promoting healthy sleep

Firstly, Oleamide is great at producing healthy sleep. This is wonderful news for people who struggle with sleep. Luckily, oleamide is an extremely safe dietary supplement and is produced naturally in your brain! Scientists are still uncertain about the exact way that oleamide produces sleep. It interacts with a system of receptors in your brain called GABA receptors. These receptors are the targets of many anti-stress and calming substances.[4] [caption id=""attachment_999"" align=""alignright"" width=""300""] Oleamide is great for helping you fall asleep[/caption]   Oleamide is broken down by an enzyme called FAAH. Scientists are now working on molecules that prevent FAAH from doing its job, hoping to create the ultimate natural sleeping pill! [6] Read how to take oleamide!

Reduces stress

Furthermore, an important aspect of oleamide is its potential ability to reduce your stress.[7] Oleamide helps to produce a calm and relaxed state of mind. This is especially true when you use oleamide in regular doses, and not for sleeping. This effect is probably also because of how oleamide interacts with GABA receptors and other important receptors in your brain.

Improves your mood

Finally, oleamide is great for improving your mood! Scientists have shown that oleamide interacts with serotonin receptors, even at very low doses.[8] Serotonin is your brain’s ‘happiness’ transmitter. When a molecule stimulates your serotonin receptors, this results in an increase in your mood.  

How to take Oleamide

There are a number of excellent ways that you can take oleamide! The most common method is to simply put a well-measured scoop of oleamide under your tongue. This allows a fast release of the supplement into your blood.  You could also sprinkle oleamide over a healthy smoothie. [caption id=""attachment_973"" align=""alignright"" width=""300""] Liftmode's Oleamide: 99%+ purity[/caption] Another way to take oleamide is to carefully measure the powder and fill up some empty capsules. This will let you to use oleamide pills before you go to sleep, or to use as a relaxation supplement. Finally, you can dissolve oleamide into lipids. It’s not soluble in water, but can be dissolved into high-fat liquids like milk or melted butter. You can then put your dissolved oleamide into some tea or hot chocolate.  

Oleamide Side Effects

Oleamide is a natural and safe dietary supplement with very few side effects. As with any supplement, there is a risk of an allergy, although this is very unlikely. Oleamide may interact with prescription medication. Oleamide may temporarily reduce your short-term memory and your motor coordination, especially at higher doses. Don’t drive or operate heavy machinery on high doses of oleamide.  

Conclusion

Oleamide is a molecule that was first discovered in humans in 1989. It is found in all mammals and is produced from oleic acid to help induce sleep. Lack of sleep greatly increases your oleamide levels. You can safely use oleamide supplements to aid in falling asleep. You can also use oleamide supplements for relaxation and for anti-anxiety effects.          

References:

[1] Chemical characterization of a family of brain lipids that induce sleep, BF Cravatt et al., Science. 1995 Jun 9;268(5216):1506-9, available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7770779 [2] Biosynthesis of oleamide, GP Mueller and WJ Driscoll, Vitam Horm. 2009;81:55-78. doi: 10.1016, available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19647108 [3] Characterization of the hypnotic properties of oleamide, AS Basile et al., Neuroreport. 1999 Apr 6;10(5):947-51, available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10321465 [4] The Hypnotic Actions of the Fatty Acid Amide, Oleamide, WB Mendelson and AS Basile, Neuropsychopharmacology (2001) 25, S36–S39. doi:10.1016, available from http://www.nature.com/npp/journal/v25/n1s/full/1395784a.html [5] Oleamide: a member of the endocannabinoid family? CJ Fowler, Br J Pharmacol. 2004 Jan; 141(2): 195–196, Published online 2003 Dec 22. doi:  10.1038, available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1574195/ [6] Sweeter Dreams, P Ball, Nature Magazine, Published Online 17 May 2000, available from http://www.nature.com/news/2000/000517/full/news000518-8.html [7] Anxiolytic-like effects of oleamide in group-housed and socially isolated mice, XY Wei et al., Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2007 Aug 15;31(6):1189-95. Epub 2007 Apr 24, available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17521793 [8] The endogenous lipid oleamide activates serotonin 5-HT7 neurons in mouse thalamus and hypothalamus, EA Thomas et al., J Neurochem. 1999 Jun;72(6):2370-8, available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10349846