Can glycine improve sleep, reduce depression, or reduce nighttime urinary frequency?

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Glycine for Tinnitus?

Written by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Updated March 17, 2025 ⓘ

Glycine for Sleep and Nighttime Urinary Frequency? -- Older Man Sitting on Bed, Awake at Night

Answer:

Glycine is a non-essential amino acid (meaning that it can be made in the body and is not required from the diet) that acts as a neurotransmitter.

Several small clinical trials have evaluated the effects of glycine supplementation for improving sleep, reducing depression, and reducing nighttime urinary frequency in people with overactive bladder, chronic prostatitis, and/or bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis. Glycine supplementation is also sometimes promoted for reducing symptoms of tinnitus.

Sign in as a member to find out what these studies showed and learn about the safety and side effects of glycine. Also, find out which brands seem to be good choices among glycine capsules and powders. (Note: ConsumerLab.com has not tested glycine but has selected products based on cost and label information).

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