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

natural sleep aid - Sleep is a process that rejuvenates and refreshes us. But for many people who suffer from insomnia, depression as well as other mood disorders falling asleep 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 inside the production and launch 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 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. An amazing malfunctioning of the nerves inside the body, neurologic disorders, muscle weakness and insomnia might occur from a deficiency of this significant nutrient. The effect of Vitamin B6 deficiency on sleep is comparable to the effect of serotonin depletion, when it comes to decreased deep temperature, altered REM patterns and shortening of the periods of deep sleep.

natural sleep remedies - Vitamin B6 has been seen as 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 are a relatively safe and effective alternative to prescription drugs in the treatment for nocturnal leg cramps.

Even though 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 frequently 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 per day, it should be consumed after consultation together with your physician. It is contraindicated to be used in those with Parkinson's disease that are on L-dopa treatment as it can reduce the effectiveness of 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). 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 questionnaire that supports and maintains the nerves and promotes healthy amounts of brain chemicals.

natural sleep remedies for insomnia - Thiamine deficiency may also cause sleep disturbances. Vitamin b folic acid (Vitamin B9) is also very important for maintenance of nervous system integrity and, when taken as well as other vitamins, can regulate serotonin production and mood. Calcium and magnesium 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 all these elements in a well-formulated sleep supplement can help you avoid addictive prescription medications that cause side effects and substance dependence.