Tiffanie Hundley
De BISAWiki
Vitamins For Sleep - Vitamins B6 Can Relieve Insomnia and Night Cramps
all natural sleep aid - Sleep is a process that rejuvenates and refreshes us. However for many people who suffer from insomnia, depression as well as other mood disorders drifting off to sleep does not come easy. Night cramps and other neurological disorders may also make it hard to get the remainder we need. One of the most common causes of insomnia is a dysfunction within the production and release 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 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 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 significant nutrient. The effect of Vitamin B6 deficiency on sleep is similar to the effect of serotonin depletion, in terms of decreased deep temperature, altered REM patterns and shortening of the periods of deep sleep.
natural sleep aids - Vitamin B6 has been seen as to be effective in the management of night leg cramps. One study showed significant remission and lowering of frequency, intensity and duration of leg cramps in 86% of patients taking B complex capsules. The research concluded that B complex supplements are a relatively safe and effective alternative to prescription drugs in the treatment 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 whole grains, a supplement containing 10 to 75 mg of vitamin B6 is often recommended for those struggling with sleep disorders.
Since this is mostly of the vitamins that can have toxic negative effects, such as irreversible neurological damage, when drawn in high doses above 2 grams per day, it should be consumed after consultation along with your physician. It is contraindicated to be used in those with Parkinson's disease that are on L-dopa treatment as it can certainly 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 affecting 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, an application that supports and maintains the nerves and promotes healthy levels of brain chemicals.
natural sleep supplements - Thiamine deficiency also can cause sleep disturbances. Folate (Vitamin B9) is also essential for maintenance of nerves integrity and, when taken as well as other vitamins, can regulate serotonin production and mood. Calcium and magnesium are important for unsafe effects 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 prescription drugs that cause side effects and substance dependence.
