Lucrecia Fassett
De BISAWiki
Vitamins For Sleep - Vitamins B6 Can Relieve Insomnia and Night Cramps
natural sleep remedies - Sleep is really a process that rejuvenates and refreshes us. However for many people who suffer from insomnia, depression along with other mood disorders drifting off to sleep does not come easy. Night cramps as well as other neurological disorders can also make it hard to get the remainder we need. One of the most common reasons for insomnia is a dysfunction within the production and discharge of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
Depression and insomnia can both be a consequence of imbalances in serotonin, a neurotransmitter synthesized from L-tryptophan. This chemical messenger is very important in the production of the sleep hormone melatonin and, among other functions, plays an important role in regulating sleep, alleviating depression, controlling mood, appetite, and sensitivity to pain. Serotonin regulation will be 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. A serious malfunctioning of the nerves inside the body, neurologic disorders, muscle weakness and insomnia can result from a deficiency of this crucial nutrient. The effect of Vitamin B6 deficiency on sleep resembles the effect of serotonin depletion, with regards to decreased deep body temperature, altered REM patterns and shortening of the periods of deep sleep.
natural sleep aid - Vitamin B6 has been seen as to be effective in the treatment of night leg cramps. One study showed significant remission and reduction in frequency, intensity and duration 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 alternative to prescription drugs in the strategy to nocturnal leg cramps.
Even if this nutrient can be obtained from food sources for example chicken, eggs, fish, yeast, carrots, avocados, bananas, brown rice and grain, a supplement containing 10 to 75 mg of vitamin B6 is usually recommended for those suffering from sleep disorders.
Since this is mostly of the vitamins that can have toxic unwanted effects, such as irreversible neurological damage, when used 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 who are on L-dopa treatment as it can reduce the effectiveness from the drug.
Other Nutrients That Can Help
Although Vitamin B6 is can relieve insomnia, it's a good idea taken in combination with other B-vitamins which affect brain and neurotransmitter function like B12 (cobalamin) and B1 (thiamine). Vitamin B12 promotes sleep and modulates the circadian rhythm and brain temperature. It is often used to successfully treat serious circadian disorders. B12 is best consumed as methylcobalamin, a form that supports and maintains the nervous system and promotes healthy degrees of brain chemicals.
natural sleep aids - Thiamine deficiency can also cause sleep disturbances. Folic acid (Vitamin B9) is also very important for maintenance of nervous system integrity and, when taken along with 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.
