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

natural sleep aid - Sleep is really a process that rejuvenates and refreshes us. But for many people who suffer from insomnia, depression and other mood disorders drifting off to sleep does not come easy. Night cramps and other neurological disorders also can make it hard to get the remainder we need. One of the most common factors behind 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 essential 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 may be the basis for the action of anti-depressant medications like Prozac, Paxil and Effexor.

Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is central to the nutrient that plays a vital role in the production of serotonin. A serious malfunctioning of the nervous system, neurologic disorders, muscle weakness and insomnia might occur from a deficiency of this crucial nutrient. The effect of Vitamin B6 deficiency on sleep resembles the effect of serotonin depletion, when it comes to decreased deep body temperature, altered REM patterns and shortening of the periods of deep sleep.

natural remedies for sleep apnea - Vitamin B6 has been found to be effective in the treating night leg cramps. One study showed significant remission and lowering of frequency, intensity and time period 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 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 often recommended for those struggling with sleep disorders.

Since this is mostly of the vitamins that can have toxic unwanted 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 be used in those with Parkinson's disease who are on L-dopa treatment as it could reduce the effectiveness from 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 has been used to successfully treat serious circadian disorders. B12 is better consumed as methylcobalamin, a form that supports and maintains the central nervous system and promotes healthy degrees of brain chemicals.

natural remedies for sleep - Thiamine deficiency also can cause sleep disturbances. Folate (Vitamin B9) is also very important for maintenance of nervous system integrity and, when taken and also other vitamins, can regulate serotonin production and mood. Magnesium and calcium are important for unsafe effects of 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 every one of these elements in a well-formulated sleep supplement can help you avoid addictive medications that cause side effects and substance dependence.