Suzanne Weigand
De BISAWiki
Vitamins For Sleep - Vitamins B6 Can Relieve Insomnia and Night Cramps
natural sleep remedies for insomnia - Sleep is really a process that rejuvenates and refreshes us. But for many people who suffer from insomnia, depression as well as other mood disorders drifting off to sleep does not come easy. Night cramps as well as other neurological disorders also can make it hard to get the rest we need. One of the most common causes of insomnia is a dysfunction in the production and release 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 important 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 will be the basis for the action of anti-depressant medications like Prozac, Paxil and Effexor.
Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in the production of serotonin. A serious malfunctioning of the nervous system, neurologic disorders, muscle weakness and insomnia can result from a deficiency of this crucial nutrient. The effect of Vitamin B6 deficiency on sleep is similar to the effect of serotonin depletion, when it comes to decreased deep temperature, altered REM patterns and shortening with the periods of deep sleep.
natural remedies for sleep disorders - Vitamin B6 has been found to be effective in the treating night leg cramps. One study showed significant remission and decrease 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 substitute for prescription drugs in the strategy for nocturnal leg cramps.
Even though this nutrient can be obtained from food sources such as chicken, eggs, fish, yeast, carrots, avocados, bananas, brown rice and grain, a supplement containing 10 to 75 mg of vitamin B6 is often recommended for those suffering from sleep disorders.
Since this is one of the few vitamins that can have toxic unwanted effects, such as irreversible neurological damage, when taken in high doses above 2 grams each day, it should be consumed after consultation with your physician. It is contraindicated for use in those with Parkinson's disease who're on L-dopa treatment as it could reduce the effectiveness with the drug.
Other Nutrients Which will help
Although Vitamin B6 is can relieve insomnia, it's best taken in combination with other B-vitamins affecting brain and neurotransmitter function like B12 (cobalamin) and B1 (thiamine). B12 promotes sleep and modulates the circadian rhythm and brain temperature. It's been used to successfully treat serious circadian disorders. B12 is best consumed as methylcobalamin, a questionnaire that supports and maintains the nervous system and promotes healthy degrees of brain chemicals.
natural remedies for sleep - Thiamine deficiency can also cause sleep disturbances. Vitamin b folic acid (Vitamin B9) is also essential for maintenance of nerves integrity and, when taken and also other vitamins, can regulate serotonin production and mood. Magnesium and calcium are important for regulating nerve and muscle impulses and supplementation can prevent muscle cramps, and promote relaxation.
Besides these nutrients, there are a number of herbs that reduce anxiety, nervous tension and promote relaxation. Taking all these elements in a well-formulated sleep supplement will help you avoid addictive medications that cause side effects and substance dependence.
