Omar Latimer
De BISAWiki
Vitamins For Sleep - Vitamins B6 Can Relieve Insomnia and Night Cramps
all natural sleep aid - Sleep is a process that rejuvenates and refreshes us. However for many people who suffer from insomnia, depression along with other mood disorders drifting off to sleep does not come easy. Night cramps and other neurological disorders also can make it hard to get the others we need. One of the most common reasons for insomnia is a dysfunction in the production and release 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 will be 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 central nervous system, neurologic disorders, muscle weakness and insomnia migh result from a deficiency of this important nutrient. The effect of Vitamin B6 deficiency on sleep resembles the effect of serotonin depletion, with regards to decreased deep body temperature, altered REM patterns and shortening of the periods of deep sleep.
natural sleep supplements - Vitamin B6 has been seen as to be effective in the management of night leg cramps. One study showed significant remission and decrease in frequency, intensity and duration of leg cramps in 86% of patients taking B complex capsules. The study concluded that B complex supplements certainly are a relatively safe and effective alternative to prescription drugs in the strategy to nocturnal leg cramps.
Even if 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 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 taken in high doses above 2 grams daily, it should be consumed after consultation with your physician. It is contraindicated to use in those with Parkinson's disease who 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's a good idea 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 better consumed as methylcobalamin, a form that supports and maintains the nervous system and promotes healthy levels of brain chemicals.
melatonin sleep - Thiamine deficiency may also cause sleep disturbances. Folic acid (Vitamin B9) is also essential 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 regulation of nerve and muscle impulses and supplementation can prevent muscle cramps, and promote relaxation.
Besides these nutrients, there are a variety of herbs that reduce anxiety, nervous tension and promote relaxation. Taking all these elements in a well-formulated sleep supplement will help you avoid addictive prescription medications that cause side effects and substance dependence.
