Thomas DeLauer’s
Fitness Nighttime Sleep Recovery
Protocol overview
Last updated: May 13, 2025
8 Nutrients
5-HTP
150mg
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is a precursor to serotonin, which plays a role in sleep regulation. Supplementation may help support improved sleep quality, reduced time to fall asleep, and balanced mood by enhancing serotonin and melatonin synthesis. [1]
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Log in or sign upL-Theanine
100mg
L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea, may support restful sleep by promoting relaxation without sedation. Research suggests it can help reduce sleep latency, improve sleep efficiency, and calm the nervous system, making it useful for nighttime recovery. [2]
Tryptophan
1000mg
An essential amino acid that supports restful sleep and mood by boosting serotonin and melatonin production. For athletes, it may enhance recovery by improving sleep quality and reducing stress-related fatigue from intense training. [3]
CBD (Cannabidiol)
5mg
CBD (Cannabidiol) supports restful sleep and recovery by interacting with the endocannabinoid system to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and ease muscle tension. [4]
Melatonin
5mg
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Supplementing with melatonin may improve sleep onset and quality, helping athletes enhance recovery, reduce oxidative stress, and support hormone balance associated with nighttime repair and regeneration. [5]
Kava
100mg
A traditional South Pacific herb known for its calming effects. It promotes relaxation by modulating GABA activity, making it effective for reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality. [6]
Magnesium
500mg
Supports energy production and muscle recovery by combining magnesium with malic acid, a key component of the Krebs cycle. Ideal for active individuals, it may reduce post-exercise fatigue, cramping, and soreness while enhancing cellular energy and performance. [7]

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Warnings
Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Discuss with your healthcare provider before use if you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or are taking SSRIs, MAOIs, or any medications that affect serotonin levels.
Lifestyle Improvements
Most men think they’re healthy until something goes wrong—fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, low libido, or an injury that takes too long to heal. The reality? Health isn’t just about avoiding disease; it’s about optimizing performance, longevity, and resilience. If you want to feel strong, think clearly, and age well, you have to take a proactive approach. Here’s how:
Prioritize Strength Training & Functional Movement
Muscle is your greatest asset for longevity. As you age, muscle loss (sarcopenia) slows metabolism, weakens bones, and increases disease risk. The solution? Strength training 3-4 times per week. Prioritize compound movements—squats, deadlifts, presses, and pulls—to build strength, improve hormone balance, and increase insulin sensitivity.
In addition, functional training (mobility, stability, and core work) keeps you injury-free. Add Zone 2 cardio (low-intensity, steady-state exercise) for heart health and occasional HIIT (high-intensity interval training) for metabolic flexibility.
Optimize Sleep for Recovery & Hormonal Balance
If you’re not getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep, you’re sabotaging your testosterone, muscle recovery, and brain function. Here’s how to fix it:
- Set a bedtime routine: Dim the lights, cut off screens 1 hour before bed, and stick to a schedule.
- Cool down your bedroom: 65-68°F is optimal for deep sleep.
- Supplement wisely: Magnesium glycinate and ashwagandha help relax your nervous system.
- Get morning sunlight: This regulates your circadian rhythm, improving sleep quality.
Manage Stress & Optimize Hormones
Chronic stress increases cortisol, which disrupts testosterone, causes weight gain, and accelerates aging. To combat this:
- Cold exposure (cold showers or ice baths 3-4x/week): Reduces inflammation, sharpens focus, and builds resilience.
- Heat therapy (sauna 3-5x/week): Improves detoxification, cardiovascular health, and recovery.
- Breathwork & meditation (5-10 minutes/day): Lowers stress, enhances mental clarity, and optimizes hormone balance.
Fuel Your Body with the Right Nutrients
Eliminate ultra-processed foods, refined sugars, and industrial seed oils. Instead, focus on:
- Protein (1g per pound of lean body mass) to build muscle and support metabolism.
- Healthy fats (omega-3s, olive oil) to reduce inflammation and support longevity.
- Micronutrients (zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, and B vitamins) for optimal hormonal and metabolic health.
Track & Optimize Your Health Metrics
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Annual check-ups aren’t enough. Get regular blood work, track testosterone, fasting insulin, inflammatory markers, and metabolic health. Stay ahead of problems before they start.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products and informational content displayed on this page are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
While this Protocol has been created by health experts, it is educational in nature and not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications.
- Sutanto, C. N., Xia, X., Heng, C. W., Tan, Y. S., Lee, D. P. S., Fam, J., & Kim, J. E. (2024). The impact of 5-hydroxytryptophan supplementation on sleep quality and gut microbiota composition in older adults: A randomized controlled trial. Clinical Nutrition, 43(3), 593–602. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2024.01.010
- Hidese, S., Ogawa, S., Ota, M., Ishida, I., Yasukawa, Z., Ozeki, M., & Kunugi, H. (2019). Effects of L-theanine administration on stress-related symptoms and cognitive functions in healthy adults: A randomized controlled trial. Nutrients, 11(10), 2362. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11102362
- Silber, B. Y., & Schmitt, J. A. J. (2010). Effects of tryptophan loading on human cognition, mood, and sleep. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 34(3), 387–407. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2009.08.005
- Babson, K. A., Sottile, J., & Morabito, D. (2017). Cannabis, cannabinoids, and sleep: A review of the literature. Current Psychiatry Reports, 19(4), 23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-017-0775-9
- Gholipour, F., Moradi, S., Riahi, N., Soleimani, N., Sharafi, L., & Mirzaei, K. (2022). Effect of melatonin supplementation on sleep quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Neurology, 269(1), 205–216. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-020-10381-w
- Chua, H. C., Christensen, E. T., Hoestgaard-Jensen, K., Hartiadi, L. Y., Ramzan, I., Jensen, A. A., Absalom, N. L., & Chebib, M. (2016). Kavain, the major constituent of the anxiolytic Kava extract, potentiates GABAA receptors: Functional characteristics and molecular mechanism. PLoS ONE, 11(6), e0157700. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0157700
- Tarsitano, M. G., Quinzi, F., Folino, K., Greco, F., Oranges, F. P., Cerulli, C., & Emerenziani, G. P. (2024). Effects of magnesium supplementation on muscle soreness in different type of physical activities: A systematic review. Journal of Translational Medicine, 22(1), 629. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-024-05434-x