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 By: ATDOnline Levels of stress and anxiety have reached epidemic proportions. For an increasing number of people, it is literally ruining their lives. Whatever the cause - a hard day at the office, screaming kids, the commute home, the never ending list of things to do - stress causes both emotional and physical problems as well as impairs our ability to enjoy life to the fullest. As companies downsize and corporate competition intensifies, everyone is working longer hours. Technology may have eliminated many tedious, mind-numbing tasks, but it has extended work hours, and the pressure for instant response. Job insecurity and the threat of unemployment haunts many people. Add events such as divorce, the birth of a child, the death of a loved one, plus the daily pressures of balancing home and work, and its little wonder the figures for stress are so high. For most of us, stress and anxiety have become an inescapable part of modern day living. It's estimated that up to 50 million Americans suffer from the effects of stress.1 For some, anxiety and stress are persistent and overwhelming, and can interfere with daily life. A disorder called generalized anxiety disorder [(GAD)] can cause its sufferers to worry constantly, always expect the worst to happen, and feel tense all of the time.2 Sufferers can't just "snap out of it," because this disorder is caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain.2
But there's help out there to relieve stress and anxiety. In this issue of Ask the Doctor, we will talk about a dietary supplement that helps people relax and cope with stress, anxiety, tension, and occasional sleep difficulties. But first, we need to discuss some background about stress, anxiety, and the side effects associated with antidepression and anti-anxiety medications.
Stress is a psychological and physical response to the demands of daily life that exceed a person's ability to cope successfully. Stress is often characterized by fatigue, sleep disorders, irritability, and constant worrying. Depression often accompanies stress. The accumulated effects of stress may lead to more serious medical problems. Stress may be work related or may stem from personal problems, such as divorce, family conflicts, or financial concerns. Often stress results from a combination of events.3
Most people are familiar with the body's dramatic response to an emergency. The heart pounds, the muscles contract, and the lungs expand; and while this is happening, we are capable of greater than normal strength and speed. This response is the body's way of rescuing itself when faced with an emergency. We don't have to think about it to make it happen. It's automatic.
The same can be said of a chronic stress response. Whether we're stuck in traffic, about to give a speech in front of a group, or sitting in the waiting room at a doctor's office, the human stress response happens automatically. The difference between the two is that the body's response in an emergency starts and resolves itself quickly. The response to being stuck in traffic may not. In an emergency situation, the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, secrete the hormone, cortisol, until the emergency passes. Then the body returns to its normal function. However, chronic stress is more complex and can last longer. When our body is subjected to high levels of cortisol for an extended time, our health can be damaged. Studies have shown that increased cortisol production caused by long-term, chronic stress may damage the entire nervous system and suppress the immune system. 4-6 The good news is that alterations in the central nervous system and the immune system can return to normal when stress is removed. The key is to learn how to deal with daily stress to allow the body to return to its normal state. 4-6
We live in a fast-paced world. Sometimes the responsibilities in our lives cause so much stress that we are unable to relax enough to fall asleep or stay asleep. 7,8
Serious medical conditions can also disrupt sleep. Sleep disturbances are often associated with depression. In fact, 90% of people with depression and anxiety also experience sleeping difficulties. 7,8
Antidepressants are among the most widely prescribed medications in the United States. 9-12 The two major classes of antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).
These medications work by inhibiting the re-uptake of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, resulting in the accumulation of these neurotransmitters. Brain chemicals such as serotonin are thought to be low in conditions such as anxiety and depression.
The side effects of anti-anxiety medication, such as benzodiazepines, include:
These effects make it dangerous for people taking benzodiazepines to drive or operate some machinery. In addition, many anti-anxiety medications may be habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence, especially when taken for a long time or in high doses. Benzodiazepines can cause seizures, if abruptly discontinued.13,14
L-theanine supplements are a natural alternative to promote relaxation. Since it does not cause sedation, it can be taken during the day to alleviate stress and anxiety.15,16
Scientists believe that L-theanine supports the balance of various neurotransmitters in the brain.16 In a laboratory study, researchers found that L-theanine is able to cross the blood-brain barrier to support the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.15,16 In a recent study, the brain activity of 50 volunteers was measured after the oral administration of 50-200 mg of L-theanine. L-theanine promoted the generation of alpha-brain waves, considered to be an index of relaxation, in the volunteers. This study concluded that one way in which L-theanine promotes relaxation in humans is by increasing alpha brain waves.15
 Does L-theanine Have Any Other Benefits For Our Bodies Besides Promoting Relaxation?
Laboratory studies have demonstrated that L-theanine affects both the nervous system and the cardiovascular system. Thus, L-theanine's calming effect on our mental state is augmented by lowering blood pressure as well.15 However, the blood pressure was never lowered to abnormally low levels.
However, individuals with chronically high stress levels and poor sleep patterns may feel slightly sleepy when first using an L-theanine supplement. This effect occurs, not because the L-theanine makes them sleepy, but because they are finally relaxed and able to listen to their bodies' demands for rest. After catching up on a few nights' sleep, they should be able to use L-theanine without feeling sleepy.
In today's fast-paced world, we need to manage stress in our lives. Stress management is a matter of mental and physical survival-stress cripples lives, causes illness, and even kills. Of course, there are other things you can do to reduce anxiety and stress as well. Setting priorities, concentrating on activities that give joy, taking care of our health and relationships, and simplifying our lives are other ways to improve emotional well-being. L-theanine as a natural support in your busy life is an important tool to overcoming stress and anxiety. It can be used daily or just when you need a little extra help to relax. By being able to relax, leaving your stress and anxiety behind, you will be able to face each day's challenges with renewed vigor and confidence!
References
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Preventing
their reuptake by the nerve cells essentially
increases the amount of available chemical. 9-12
Anti-anxiety medications include the
benzodiazepines, which include the drug,
alprazolam (Xanax) . Benzodiazepines can
relieve symptoms within a short time.
These medications belong to the group of
medicines called central nervous system
(CNS) depressants (medicines that slow
down the nervous system).13,14
L-theanine has shown the ability to promote
deep muscle relaxation and improve good
quality sleep. Even though L-theanine is
found in 
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