When we’re awake, adenosine accumulates in our brains, which causes drowsiness. When we sleep, the brain works to clear itself of adenosine. But coffee competes with this compound and reduces adenosine accumulation (so it doesn’t so much boost energy as it fights drowsiness).

Understanding this timing has led some biohackers to the increasingly famous “coffee nap.” Caffeine’s effects hit their highest point about 30 minutes after consumption. If you consume caffeine, say, in the form of coffee, and then nap for 15 or 20 minutes, you’ll wake up with a brain clear of adenosine and about to be charged with caffeine. This leads to extra alertness and an energetic feeling that stands above caffeine on its own.

Caffeine is often underestimated, so if you’re especially sensitive to stimulants, it’s worth testing the waters in a non-coffee nap situation.

We’ve played around with other caffeine-containing supplements and the “coffee nap” phenomenon. So far, we’ve found it especially effective with 1 or 2 capsules of Neurofuse at the end of a light meal followed immediately by a nap; we awoke after 15 minutes feeling refreshed, energetic, and very, very focused.

We’ve also tried this with Lumonol, but our testers found it difficult to nap; this could be because of Lumonol’s noopept and guarana, which start metabolizing very quickly (Lumonol remains one of the fastest-acting nootropics we’ve ever tried).

The post Take A Coffee Nap For A Caffeinated Productivity Boost appeared first on Brain Wiz.

UPDATE: Currently, GABAwave is unavailable from the Bulletproof/Upgraded Self. Recently, we’ve seen many phenibut-containing supplements taken off the market. If you’re looking for a supplement to boost brainpower and focus, check out our other supplement reviews here.

GABAwave Label

The Ingredients

GABAWave comes in 4 mL single-use ampules. There are 15 ampules/servings per container.

Active Ingredients:

Phenyl-GABA (phenibut) – 600 mg This is GABAwave’s only active ingredient, and Bulletproof makes a special form which makes the phenibut molecules smaller and more easily absorbable (this is accomplished through the phospholipid listed under “Other Ingredients”). Phenibut is a chemical that emulates the brain chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is a neuropsychotropic drug that functions as both a nootropic and as a tranquilizer by stimulating dopamine production. Dopamine plays a part in controlling flow of information in the brain while alleviating stress and anxiety.

Other Ingredients: Purified water, Oleic Acid (from olive oil), Glycerin, Phosphatidylcholine (Natural Phospholipid as an emulsifier), Inulin, Natural Flavors, Natural Caramel Color, Gum Acacia and Stevia.

Usage Guidelines

For Clear Focus all day and enhanced sleep all night: Take 1 serving in the first half of your day (can take before noon) on an empty stomach. Allow up to 36 hours between servings. Do not exceed 3 servings in a one week period. The way phenibut is processed by the body can result in no or opposite effects, so use caution when beginning use. GABAwave can increase the effects of tranquilizers, narcotics, and neuroleptics. We had several BrainWiz testers take 1 ampule every 48 hours for 6 days (not exceeding the 3/week recommendation of the manufacturer).

What Our Testers Say

“I’m generally a nervous flyer, so I decided to try GABAwave during my last transatlantic flight. It was one of the best travel days I’ve had in recent memory. Even when things were not going as expected, I was able to keep calm, and still sharp enough to make quick decisions working on the plane. It also helped me fall asleep quickly, mitigating jetlag. I will continue to take this, especially when I have to travel. The calm feeling was pretty great.”

“This helped me sleep well, something I don’t see with a lot of nootropics, as some give me jitters and keep me awake, and recover from a couple of back-to-back tough workouts. I also felt clear-headed and “ready” for anything when taking GABAwave.”

“I don’t mind the flavor of Bulletproof’s Unfair Advantage, but GABAwave took me by surprise. It is salty, bitter, and vicious; but it’s also so worth it. There was a simultaneous rush of calm and clarity, and it lasted two full days. I will be reaching for this supplement whenever I have a high-stress day or two coming on.”

“Despite tasting atrocious, GABAwave works! I felt calm even under a tremendous amount of stress, and I had some of the best nights’ sleep I can remember. I did have a[n alcoholic] drink while on GABAwave, and it hit me hard. I would suggest staying away from booze when on GABAwave.”

BrainWiz Tips

After comparing experiences and effectiveness, here are our best tips for getting the most out of GABAWave:

• GABAWave contains no caffeine, and it pairs well with your morning coffee (especially because it helps take the taste of GABAwave away).
• Our testers experienced no negative side effects from this supplement, though one did experience some dizziness when drinking alcohol the same day as taking GABAwave. But as with any supplement or nutritional regimen, you should talk to your doctor or medical professional before use. It is also important NOT to take more than three servings during a week.
• GABAWave should be taken before noon.
• We recommend trying it on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for sustained nootropic and sleep support through the week.
• If you’re using the supplement for the first time, start with less than a full ampule, and work your way up to a full ampule.
• Phenibut enhances the tranquilizing effects of alcohol and other drugs. We advise that you stay away from other tranquilizers when taking GABAWave.
• A good supplement to fight travel stress.

Supplement Summary 

GABAwave is a great caffeine-free nootropic and tranquilizer in a unique delivery system. In addition to improved cognitive function, users also feel a release in stress and anxiety, as well as improved sleep. It’s somewhat unique in this market, and while phenibut will impact everyone differently, it’s common to experience benefits for up to two days after ingesting. Phenibut is a potent nootropic, and it is important to cycle it as indicated. If you can stomach the taste and stick to cycling this supplement as recommended, there’s a lot to be gained from GABAwave.

The post Better Sleep, Calm Focus, And A Brain Boost? Reviewing GABAwave By Bulletproof appeared first on Brain Wiz.