Joe Whitson
De BISAWiki
Vitamins For Sleep - Vitamins B6 Can Relieve Insomnia and Night Cramps
sleep and stabilizer - Sleep can be a process that rejuvenates and refreshes us. However for many people who suffer from insomnia, depression as well as 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 remainder we need. One of the most common factors behind 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 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 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 a crucial role in the production of serotonin. An amazing malfunctioning of the nerves inside the body, neurologic disorders, muscle weakness and insomnia migh result from a deficiency of this important nutrient. The effect of Vitamin B6 deficiency on sleep is similar to the effect of serotonin depletion, when it comes to decreased deep body temperature, altered REM patterns and shortening of the periods of deep sleep.
natural remedies to sleep - Vitamin B6 has been discovered to be effective in the management of night leg cramps. One study showed significant remission and reduction 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 option to prescription drugs in the treatment for nocturnal leg cramps.
Although 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 frequently recommended for those suffering from 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 together with your physician. It is contraindicated to use in those with Parkinson's disease who are on L-dopa treatment as it can certainly reduce the effectiveness with the drug.
Other Nutrients That will help
Although Vitamin B6 is can relieve insomnia, it's best taken in combination with other B-vitamins affecting brain and neurotransmitter function like B12 (cobalamin) and B1 (thiamine). B12 promotes sleep and modulates the circadian rhythm and brain temperature. It's been used to successfully treat serious circadian disorders. B12 is better consumed as methylcobalamin, a form that supports and maintains the nerves and promotes healthy amounts of brain chemicals.
natural sleeping remedies - Thiamine deficiency also can cause sleep disturbances. Vitamin b folic acid (Vitamin B9) is also extremely 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 a number 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 drugs that cause side effects and substance dependence.
