Jessika Gooch
De BISAWiki
Vitamins For Sleep - Vitamins B6 Can Relieve Insomnia and Night Cramps
melatonin sleep aid - Sleep is a process that rejuvenates and refreshes us. But also for many people who suffer from insomnia, depression along with other mood disorders falling asleep does not come easy. Night cramps along with other neurological disorders can also make it hard to get the rest we need. One of the most common causes of insomnia is a dysfunction inside the production and discharge of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
Depression and insomnia can both result from imbalances in serotonin, a neurotransmitter synthesized from L-tryptophan. This chemical messenger is essential in the production of the sleep hormone melatonin and, among other functions, plays a significant role in regulating sleep, alleviating depression, controlling mood, appetite, and sensitivity to pain. Serotonin regulation is the basis for the action of anti-depressant medications like Prozac, Paxil and Effexor.
Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is a vital nutrient that plays a crucial role in the production of serotonin. An amazing malfunctioning of the nervous system, neurologic disorders, muscle weakness and insomnia might occur from a deficiency of this crucial nutrient. The effect of Vitamin B6 deficiency on sleep is similar to the effect of serotonin depletion, with regards to decreased deep body's temperature, altered REM patterns and shortening of the periods of deep sleep.
natural sleeping aids - Vitamin B6 has been found to be effective in the management of night leg cramps. One study showed significant remission and decrease in frequency, intensity and amount of leg cramps in 86% of patients taking B complex capsules. The research concluded that B complex supplements certainly are a relatively safe and effective option to prescription drugs in the strategy for nocturnal leg cramps.
Even if this nutrient can be obtained from food sources including chicken, eggs, fish, yeast, carrots, avocados, bananas, brown rice and whole grains, a supplement containing 10 to 75 mg of vitamin B6 is frequently recommended for those suffering from sleep disorders.
Since this is one of the few vitamins that can have toxic side effects, such as irreversible neurological damage, when taken in high doses above 2 grams daily, it should be consumed after consultation together with your physician. It is contraindicated to be used in those with Parkinson's disease that are on L-dopa treatment as it could reduce the effectiveness of the drug.
Other Nutrients Which will help
Although Vitamin B6 is can relieve insomnia, it's a good idea taken in combination with other B-vitamins that affect brain and neurotransmitter function like B12 (cobalamin) and B1 (thiamine). Vitamin B12 promotes sleep and modulates the circadian rhythm and brain temperature. It has been used to successfully treat serious circadian disorders. B12 is most beneficial consumed as methylcobalamin, a form that supports and maintains the central nervous system and promotes healthy amounts of brain chemicals.
herbs to help you sleep - Thiamine deficiency may also cause sleep disturbances. Folate (Vitamin B9) is also essential for maintenance of central nervous system integrity and, when taken as well as other vitamins, can regulate serotonin production and mood. Calcium and magnesium are important for regulation of nerve and muscle impulses and supplementation can prevent muscle cramps, and promote relaxation.
Besides these nutrients, there are numerous of herbs that reduce anxiety, nervous tension and promote relaxation. Taking every one of these elements in a well-formulated sleep supplement will help you avoid addictive medications that cause side effects and substance dependence.