5-HTP is a chemical created from an essential amino acid, which is then converted into serotonin. With our modern lifestyles, it can be hard to switch off after a long day and many of us find it difficult to wind down and get good quality sleep. Erratic eating habits may also contribute to low levels of serotonin. Serotonin is converted to melatonin, which is used by the body to create our sleep-wake cycle. When levels are low we find it hard to relax and drift off to sleep