Meaghan Lawrence
De BISAWiki
Vitamins For Sleep - Vitamins B6 Can Relieve Insomnia and Night Cramps
natural sleep remedies for insomnia - Sleep is really a process that rejuvenates and refreshes us. But also for many people who suffer from insomnia, depression along with other mood disorders falling asleep does not come easy. Night cramps and other neurological disorders may also make it hard to get the rest we need. One of the most common factors behind 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 essential 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 an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in the production of serotonin. A serious malfunctioning of the central nervous system, neurologic disorders, muscle weakness and insomnia can result from a deficiency of this significant 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 with the periods of deep sleep.
natural remedies for sleep apnea - 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 duration of leg cramps in 86% of patients taking B complex capsules. The analysis concluded that B complex supplements are a relatively safe and effective option to prescription drugs in the strategy for nocturnal leg cramps.
Even if 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 suffering from sleep disorders.
Since this is one of the few vitamins that can have toxic side effects, such as irreversible neurological damage, when taken in high doses above 2 grams daily, it should be consumed after consultation together with your physician. It is contraindicated for use in those with Parkinson's disease who're on L-dopa treatment as it can reduce the effectiveness with the drug.
Other Nutrients That 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 is often used to successfully treat serious circadian disorders. B12 is best consumed as methylcobalamin, an application that supports and maintains the nerves and promotes healthy levels of brain chemicals.
herbs to help you sleep - Thiamine deficiency also can cause sleep disturbances. Vitamin b folic acid (Vitamin B9) is also very important 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 regulating 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.
