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

natural sleep supplements - Sleep is really a process that rejuvenates and refreshes us. However for many people who suffer from insomnia, depression along with other mood disorders dropping off to sleep does not come easy. Night cramps and other neurological disorders may also make it hard to get the others we need. One of the most common reasons for insomnia is a dysfunction in 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 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 may 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 central nervous system, neurologic disorders, muscle weakness and insomnia migh result from a deficiency of this significant nutrient. The effect of Vitamin B6 deficiency on sleep resembles the effect of serotonin depletion, in terms of decreased deep body's temperature, altered REM patterns and shortening from the periods of deep sleep.

melatonin sleep pills - 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 amount of leg cramps in 86% of patients taking B complex capsules. The study concluded that B complex supplements certainly are a relatively safe and effective option to prescription drugs in the treatment 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 grain, a supplement containing 10 to 75 mg of vitamin B6 is frequently recommended for those experiencing sleep disorders.

Since this is mostly of the vitamins that can have toxic negative effects, such as irreversible neurological damage, when used 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 who are on L-dopa treatment as it can 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 that affect brain and neurotransmitter function like B12 (cobalamin) and B1 (thiamine). B12 promotes sleep and modulates the circadian rhythm and brain temperature. It is often used to successfully treat serious circadian disorders. B12 is better consumed as methylcobalamin, an application that supports and maintains the nerves and promotes healthy levels of brain chemicals.

sleep stabilizer - Thiamine deficiency can also cause sleep disturbances. Vitamin b folic acid (Vitamin B9) is also essential 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 a number 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 prescription medications that cause side effects and substance dependence.