Shirlee Withers
De BISAWiki
Vitamins For Sleep - Vitamins B6 Can Relieve Insomnia and Night Cramps
natural sleeping pills - Sleep is really a process that rejuvenates and refreshes us. However for many people who suffer from insomnia, depression as well as other mood disorders falling asleep does not come easy. Night cramps and other neurological disorders also can make it hard to get the rest we need. One of the most common reasons for insomnia is a dysfunction in 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 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 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 a vital role in the production of serotonin. A serious malfunctioning of the central nervous system, neurologic disorders, muscle weakness and insomnia migh result from a deficiency of this significant nutrient. The effect of Vitamin B6 deficiency on sleep is comparable to the effect of serotonin depletion, with regards to decreased deep body temperature, altered REM patterns and shortening of the periods of deep sleep.
natural remedies for sleep disorders - Vitamin B6 has been seen as to be effective in the treatment of 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 research concluded that B complex supplements are a relatively safe and effective option to prescription drugs in the strategy to nocturnal leg cramps.
Even though this nutrient can be obtained from food sources such as 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 unwanted effects, such as irreversible neurological damage, when taken in high doses above 2 grams each day, it should be consumed after consultation 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 of the drug.
Other Nutrients That will help
Although Vitamin B6 is can relieve insomnia, it is best 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 has been used to successfully treat serious circadian disorders. B12 is best consumed as methylcobalamin, a form that supports and maintains the nervous system and promotes healthy degrees of brain chemicals.
natural remedies for sleep - Thiamine deficiency may also cause sleep disturbances. Vitamin b folic acid (Vitamin B9) is also essential for maintenance of nerves 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 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 medications that cause side effects and substance dependence.
