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

best natural sleep aid - 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 as well as 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 inside the production and discharge of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.

Depression and insomnia can both derive 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 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. An amazing malfunctioning of the nerves inside the body, neurologic disorders, muscle weakness and insomnia migh result from a deficiency of this crucial nutrient. The effect of Vitamin B6 deficiency on sleep is similar to 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 disorders - 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 time period of leg cramps in 86% of patients taking B complex capsules. The analysis concluded that B complex supplements are a relatively safe and effective substitute for prescription drugs in the treatment for 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 usually recommended for those experiencing sleep disorders.

Since this is one of the few vitamins that can have toxic side effects, such as irreversible neurological damage, when drawn in high doses above 2 grams daily, 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 can certainly reduce the effectiveness of the drug.

Other Nutrients That Can Help

Although Vitamin B6 is can relieve insomnia, it's a good idea 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 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 deprivation - Thiamine deficiency also can cause sleep disturbances. Vitamin b folic acid (Vitamin B9) is also essential for maintenance of nervous system 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.