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Vitamins For Sleep - Vitamins B6 Can Relieve Insomnia and Night Cramps

natural remedies for sleep deprivation - Sleep is really a process that rejuvenates and refreshes us. However for many people who suffer from insomnia, depression and other mood disorders dropping off to sleep does not come easy. Night cramps along with other neurological disorders can also make it hard to get the others we need. One of the most common factors behind insomnia is a dysfunction in 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 an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in the production of serotonin. A profound malfunctioning of the nerves inside the body, 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, in terms of decreased deep body's temperature, altered REM patterns and shortening with the periods of deep sleep.

natural remedies to sleep - Vitamin B6 has been found 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 including 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 side effects, such as irreversible neurological damage, when drawn in high doses above 2 grams per day, it should be consumed after consultation with your physician. It is contraindicated to use in those with Parkinson's disease that are on L-dopa treatment as it could reduce the effectiveness with the drug.

Other Nutrients That Can Help

Although Vitamin B6 is can relieve insomnia, it's best 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, an application that supports and maintains the nervous system and promotes healthy levels of brain chemicals.

natural remedies for sleep disorders - Thiamine deficiency can also cause sleep disturbances. Vitamin b folic acid (Vitamin B9) is also very important 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 variety of herbs that reduce anxiety, nervous tension and promote relaxation. Taking each one of these elements in a well-formulated sleep supplement can help you avoid addictive medications that cause side effects and substance dependence.