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

herbs to help you sleep - Sleep can be 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 as well as other neurological disorders also can make it hard to get the rest we need. One of the most common causes of insomnia is a dysfunction in the production and release 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 important 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 is the basis for the action of anti-depressant medications like Prozac, Paxil and Effexor.

Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is a vital nutrient that plays an important role in the production of serotonin. A profound 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 resembles the effect of serotonin depletion, with regards to decreased deep body's temperature, altered REM patterns and shortening of 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 decrease in frequency, intensity and amount of leg cramps in 86% of patients taking B complex capsules. The analysis concluded that B complex supplements certainly are a relatively safe and effective option to prescription drugs in the treatment for nocturnal leg cramps.

Although 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 often recommended for those experiencing sleep disorders.

Since this is mostly of the vitamins that can have toxic side effects, such as irreversible neurological damage, when used high doses above 2 grams each day, it should be consumed after consultation along with your physician. It is contraindicated for use in those with Parkinson's disease who are on L-dopa treatment as it can reduce the effectiveness with the drug.

Other Nutrients Which will 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 most beneficial consumed as methylcobalamin, an application that supports and maintains the nerves and promotes healthy levels of brain chemicals.

all natural sleep aid - Thiamine deficiency can also cause sleep disturbances. Folate (Vitamin B9) is also essential for maintenance of nerves integrity and, when taken and also 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.