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

natural sleeping aids - Sleep is really a process that rejuvenates and refreshes us. But also for many people who suffer from insomnia, depression and other mood disorders drifting off to sleep does not come easy. Night cramps along with other neurological disorders also can make it hard to get the rest we need. One of the most common factors behind insomnia is a dysfunction within the production and launch 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 a major role in regulating sleep, alleviating depression, controlling mood, appetite, and sensitivity to pain. Serotonin regulation is 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. An amazing malfunctioning of the central 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 is similar to the effect of serotonin depletion, when it comes to decreased deep body's temperature, altered REM patterns and shortening from the periods of deep sleep.

natural remedies for sleep - 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 amount of leg cramps in 86% of patients taking B complex capsules. The research concluded that B complex supplements really are a relatively safe and effective alternative to prescription drugs in the strategy for nocturnal leg cramps.

Even if this nutrient can be obtained from food sources such as chicken, eggs, fish, yeast, carrots, avocados, bananas, brown rice and whole grain products, 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 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 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 is best 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's been used to successfully treat serious circadian disorders. B12 is most beneficial consumed as methylcobalamin, a form that supports and maintains the nerves and promotes healthy levels of brain chemicals.

natural sleep remedies - Thiamine deficiency also can cause sleep disturbances. Folate (Vitamin B9) is also very important 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 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 every one of these elements in a well-formulated sleep supplement can help you avoid addictive prescription drugs that cause side effects and substance dependence.