Oleamide
- Status
- Preclinical, , not approved for human use
- Evidence
-
Not graded on a research bench yet
Oleamide is a fatty acid primary amide that your brain naturally produces during sleep deprivation — your body's endogenous sleep-promoting lipid signal.
Reviewed
01Overview
What Oleamide is
First identified in 1995 by Cravatt and colleagues at Scripps Research Institute as the major sleep-inducing factor accumulating in cerebrospinal fluid during prolonged wakefulness.
Unlike pharmaceutical sleep aids that override sleep architecture, oleamide works WITH the body's natural sleep mechanisms by potentiating GABA-A receptor activity and modulating serotonin receptors. Subjective effects are typically described as "natural drowsiness" rather than the sedated/drugged feeling from benzodiazepines or antihistamines.
As a supplement, oleamide is sold as research-only and not FDA-approved. The peer-reviewed literature on supplementation outcomes is modest, but the underlying biochemistry is well-characterized.
How it works
Mechanism of action — pharmacological summary:
- GABA-A receptor potentiator — positive allosteric modulator at GABA-A, similar mechanism to apigenin (without benzodiazepine-like efficacy)
- 5-HT2A/2C modulator — interacts with serotonin signaling, contributing to sleep-onset effects
- Endocannabinoid crossover — weak FAAH inhibition, modest effects on anandamide tone
- Endogenous fatty acid amide — same chemical class as anandamide, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and oleoylethanolamide (OEA)
- Metabolism — rapidly hydrolyzed by FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase), explaining short subjective duration
02Research
Free with emailWhat the research shows
No research bench grades Oleamide yet. Benches compare compounds people pair, with the evidence for each.
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03Safety
Oleamide side effects and interactions
Side effects
Low riskStop use if
- Pregnancy/lactation
- Severe liver disease (FAAH-dependent metabolism)
- Concurrent benzodiazepine therapy without clinician oversight
Common
- Mild morning grogginess at high doses (rare)
Less common
- Vivid dreams
Interactions
Not in our record
This interaction data is compiled from published research and community reports. It may not be exhaustive. Always consult a healthcare professional before combining compounds.
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04Dosing
Free with emailOleamide dosage and protocols
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- Dose, route, how often and how long
- Beginner, intermediate and advanced protocols
- Stacking notes
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05Prices
Oleamide prices
No listings
06Chemistry
Chemistry and structure
- Molecular formula
- C18H35NO
- Molecular mass
- 281.48 g/mol
08Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is Oleamide used for in research?
Oleamide is a fatty acid primary amide that your brain naturally produces during sleep deprivation — your body's endogenous sleep-promoting lipid signal. First identified in 1995 by Cravatt and colleagues at Scripps Research Institute as the major sleep-inducing factor accumulating in cerebrospinal fluid during prolonged wakefulness.
Unlike pharmaceutical sleep aids that override sleep architecture, oleamide works WITH the body's natural sleep mechanisms by potentiating GABA-A receptor activity and modulating serotonin receptors. Subjective effects are typically described as "natural drowsiness" rather than the sedated/drugged feeling from benzodiazepines or antihistamines.
As a supplement, oleamide is sold as research-only and not FDA-approved. The peer-reviewed literature on supplementation outcomes is modest, but the underlying biochemistry is well-characterized.
What forms does Oleamide come in?
Oleamide is available in vials, capsules, and sprays forms.
How much does Oleamide cost?
BodyHackGuide tracks no vendor for Oleamide yet, so no price is stated.
How do I compare Oleamide vendors?
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