We have talked before how sleep or lack thereof can impact your overall health. Not getting adequate sleep can increase one’s risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, diabetes among other things. That is why it is so important to make sure you are getting the proper amount of sleep for your body and lifestyle. Unfortunately, there are sleep disorders such as insomnia or sleep apnea that make it more difficult for people to fall asleep or get quality rest.
It is no secret that diet and nutrition play a major role in how well we sleep. Some people, however, are not able to get all the nutrients they need from food alone and may need to take supplements. There have been studies on the correlation between vitamins and sleep and here are what they have found:
Vitamin D: Recent studies have shown a link between vitamin D deficiency and short sleep duration in adults over 50 and an increased risk of developing sleep apnea. Vitamin D is thought to influence sleep by regulating our circadian rhythm. Taking a vitamin D supplement, if your levels are low, may help you get a better nights rest.
Iron: A lack of iron in the body can lead to restless legs syndrome. Taking an iron supplement can potentially decrease the deficiency and these symptoms allowing you to get more quality sleep.
Magnesium: Research has shown that low levels of magnesium lead to poor sleep quality and insomnia. Magnesium helps the body to relax and reduce stress. It is often recommended for those suffering with insomnia to help them sleep for longer periods of time.
B Vitamins: B12 helps produce melatonin, which as we have learned before, is a natural hormone that helps regulate your body’s circadian rhythm. B12 also helps with production of energy and too much is thought to increase your risk of insomnia.
Talk to your doctor before trying vitamins to help with sleep. Together you can decide what regimen will work best for you depending on your current medications and blood work.
Source: Sleep Foundation