There is no need to use 5-htp now since l-tryptophan is now available.

I did not like 5-htp for myself. I tried it a while ago when I was having insomnia.
After about a week, it made me irritable.

I do use the l-tryptophan but not every day. I find it sedating. I am using it inconjunction with my light visor.
I find l-tryptophan sedating at only 500mg/night.

In order for tryptophan to get past the blood brain barrier, one needs to do
a bit of sugar. Amino acids compete with each other and tryptophan gets blocked from absorption. What really works for me for improving sleep etc, is to have about 100 cal of candy (I do gummi LiveSavers) just before bed.
This shuts off the amino competition for serotonin synthesis.
Taking the tryptophan at night, with the candy, really helps me fall asleep and it blocks hunger during the night too.
http://www.mcmanweb.com/article-152.htm

Having a good protein dinner, followed with a little (and I mean little) sweet,
can boost serotonin synthesis.
This site is also interesting...

http://www.pdsa.org/itp-information/...p-effects.html