Joni Kelleher
De BISAWiki
Vitamins For Sleep - Vitamins B6 Can Relieve Insomnia and Night Cramps
natural remedies for sleep deprivation - Sleep can be a process that rejuvenates and refreshes us. But 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 within the production and discharge of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
Depression and insomnia can both be a consequence of 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 a major 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 an essential nutrient that plays an important role in the production of serotonin. A profound malfunctioning of the nerves inside the body, neurologic disorders, muscle weakness and insomnia might occur 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.
supplement to help you sleep - 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 study concluded that B complex supplements are a relatively safe and effective substitute for prescription drugs in the strategy for 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 whole grains, a supplement containing 10 to 75 mg of vitamin B6 is often recommended for those experiencing sleep disorders.
Since this is mostly of the 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 along with your physician. It is contraindicated for use in those with Parkinson's disease who 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 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 most beneficial consumed as methylcobalamin, a questionnaire that supports and maintains the nervous system and promotes healthy degrees of brain chemicals.
natural supplements for sleep - Thiamine deficiency may also cause sleep disturbances. Vitamin b folic acid (Vitamin B9) is also extremely important for maintenance of nerves integrity and, when taken along with other vitamins, can regulate serotonin production and mood. Magnesium and calcium 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 all these elements in a well-formulated sleep supplement can assist you avoid addictive prescription drugs that cause side effects and substance dependence.
