““Tryptophan can be taken during the day, e.g., 500 to 1,000 mg three times per day. Alternatively, it can be taken at a higher dose once per day at bedtime to encourage sleep at a dose of 1,000 to 3,000 mg. Tryptophan is most effective taken on an empty stomach. If tryptophan is not available to you, the more widely available 5-HTP, taken at a dose of 50 to 100 mg three times per day, exerts similar effect. Or, as with tryptophan, a single daily bedtime dose of 100 to 300 mg can be used to improve sleep and obtain the daytime benefits.””