Dennis Cullinan
De BISAWiki
Vitamins For Sleep - Vitamins B6 Can Relieve Insomnia and Night Cramps
natural sleep remedies for insomnia - Sleep is 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 along with other neurological disorders can also make it hard to get the others we need. One of the most common reasons for insomnia is a dysfunction inside the production and discharge 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 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 will 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 an important role in the production of serotonin. An amazing malfunctioning of the central nervous system, neurologic disorders, muscle weakness and insomnia might occur from a deficiency of this significant nutrient. The effect of Vitamin B6 deficiency on sleep resembles the effect of serotonin depletion, in terms of decreased deep temperature, altered REM patterns and shortening of the periods of deep sleep.
natural sleep remedies - Vitamin B6 has been found 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 study concluded that B complex supplements certainly are a relatively safe and effective option to prescription drugs in the treatment for nocturnal leg cramps.
Even though this nutrient can be obtained from food sources for example 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 struggling with 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 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 Can 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 is often used to successfully treat serious circadian disorders. B12 is best consumed as methylcobalamin, a form that supports and maintains the central nervous system and promotes healthy degrees of brain chemicals.
herbs to help you sleep - 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 along with 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 each one of these elements in a well-formulated sleep supplement can help you avoid addictive prescription drugs that cause side effects and substance dependence.