Mary Fletcher

De BISAWiki

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

herbs that help you sleep - Sleep can be a process that rejuvenates and refreshes us. However for many people who suffer from insomnia, depression as well as other mood disorders drifting off to sleep does not come easy. Night cramps along with other neurological disorders may also make it hard to get the others 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 very 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 an essential nutrient that plays an important role in the production of serotonin. A profound malfunctioning of the nervous system, neurologic disorders, muscle weakness and insomnia can result 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 from the periods of deep sleep.

natural sleeping pills - Vitamin B6 has been seen as to be effective in the treatment of night leg cramps. One study showed significant remission and reduction in frequency, intensity and duration of leg cramps in 86% of patients taking B complex capsules. The research 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 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 usually recommended for those suffering from sleep disorders.

Since this is mostly of the vitamins that can have toxic negative effects, such as irreversible neurological damage, when drawn in high doses above 2 grams each day, it should be consumed after consultation together with your physician. It is contraindicated to use in those with Parkinson's disease that are 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 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 best consumed as methylcobalamin, a form that supports and maintains the nerves and promotes healthy levels of brain chemicals.

sleep and stabilizer - Thiamine deficiency may also cause sleep disturbances. Folic acid (Vitamin B9) is also extremely 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 numerous of herbs that reduce anxiety, nervous tension and promote relaxation. Taking each one of these elements in a well-formulated sleep supplement can assist you avoid addictive prescription medications that cause side effects and substance dependence.