Be Ready To Face The Day With Vitamin D
While taking extra vitamin D wont help the average person, those deficient in it might get a much needed boost in sleep quality from it.
Research suggests there may be a link between low levels of vitamin D. and poor sleep quality.
The sunshine vitamin is thought to influence both sleep quality and quantity, and studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency is associated with less sleep overall and with more disrupted sleep.
Its important to talk with your doctor about your individual nutrient needs, as too much vitamin D can lead to constipation, nausea, vomiting, and kidney stones.
Should I Get My Supplements In Pill Form Or Gummy Form
If you can, its best not to reach for gummy vitamins as your first choice of supplement, no matter the appeal of eating whats basically candy to get your nutrients.
An analysis of supplements conducted by ConsumerLab.com in 2017 found that 80 percent of gummy vitamins failed testing when it came to having too much or too little of their ingredients.
Theres also the simple fact that gummies tend to contain more sugar than their pill counterparts.
Vitamins To Help Sleep Better At Night
Studies show that approximately half the population suffers from some type of sleep issue. Whether its an occasional sleepless night or chronic insomnia, getting too little sleep can have serious consequences.
If youre one of the millions of people missing out on a good nights rest, it might be time to try vitamins to help sleep come more easily. Read on and learn about the best vitamins for sleep.
NOTE: Chronic insomnia is a serious medical condition this article is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical advice.
Don’t Miss: How Much Vitamin C Supplement Should I Take
But How Do Micronutrients Affect Sleep Quality
Isnt it enough to simply lay down at night to fall asleep?
Involved in hundreds of metabolic pathways, vitamins and minerals cofacilitate many brain and body bio-activities required for sleep, relaxation, and recovery.
Though B-vitamins in particular are specifically advanced as effective supplements against insomnia, based on research that links B6-deficiency to distress and sleep disturbance, the direct link between vitamins in general and insomnia is less clear.
Each vitamin and mineral interacts with a wide range of specific bio-pathways and general health systems that directly and indirectly overlap with sleep quality.
Some vitamins work better at improving sleep quality, whereas others may have no impact on sleep at all.
With that in mind, supplementing an effective, natural multivitamin supplement still seems the best sleep support option over mixing and matching standalone vitamin and mineral supplements.
By replenishing the micronutrients associated with sleep quality , a multivitamin supplement may improve sleep by:
- Regulating production of sleep-related neurotransmitters
- Downregulating excitatory brain activity
- Inhibiting neuromuscular muscle firing activities
- Reducing blood pressure prior to sleep
- Modulating the HPA axis
- Improving mood and emotional stability.
And many other direct and indirect bio-pathways. The physiological range of all essential vitamins and minerals is complex and far-ranging.
We Compiled A List Of Eight Vitamins And Natural Ingredients That Could Help You Say Goodbye To Counting Sheep And Hello To Restful Sleep
It’s important to consult your doctors with any medical concerns, and before making any changes or adding supplements to your health plan.
From diet to stress, there are countless reasons why you’re struggling to sleep at night, and you’re not alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 36.5 percent of American workers get less than the recommended seven hours of sleep each night. According to the American Sleep Association, 50 million to 70 million adults in the U.S. have a sleep disorder, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, or snoring. Sleep deprivation is associated with many health issues, ranging from heart disease to depression. So if you struggle to fall asleep, it’s important to take steps to improve your sleep habits.
There are a variety of prescription sleeping pills available to those in need. However, they often come with a slew of potential side effects, including prolonged drowsiness, daytime memory and performance issues, gastrointestinal problems, headaches, dizziness, and light-headedness.
If you’re wary of these potentially dangerous side effects, you may be looking for all-natural ingredients that could help you catch some shut-eye. We compiled a list of eight vitamins and natural ingredients that could help you say goodbye to counting sheep and hello to restful sleep.
Also Check: Can Vitamins Help With Hair Loss
Valerian And Lemon Balm Combination
Valerian root combined with lemon balm has proven to be highly effective in treating insomnia, more effective than either herb used alone. In a recent study of children with sleep problems, 81% of those who took an herbal combination of valerian and lemon balm reported sleeping much better than those who took a placebo.
Vitamins That Help You Sleep
When people think about what vitamins can do for them, they often conjure images of feeling more energetic, being more clear-headed, seeing more clearly, fighting off sicknesses more effectively. They think about the impact these little pills will have on their day-to-day lives. But what about their night-to-night lives? We dont think of these benefits as readily, because, well, were not conscious when theyre happening. It turns out vitamins can have a positive impact on your sleeping hours as well as your waking hours.
Heres a quick guide on the vitamins most likely to help you sleep and sources where you can find them.
You May Like: Does Vitamin D Help With Anxiety
Supplements That Help You Sleep Better
Posted byEmma Williams on Mar 20, 2019 11:04:00 AM
Sleep is essential to good health, but many of us struggle to slip into the deep slumber we desire. This can be due to a multitude of reasons, both physical and psychological, from stress, anxiety, depression, or poor lifestyle choices leading to insomnia, or underlying medical conditions or obesity causing sleep apnea or other sleep disorders.
Unfortunately, sleep deprivation is related to increased risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and depression so its absolutely essential that you try and get forty winks.
But if counting sheep isn’t working for you, then you may require a little extra help to get a good nights sleep. Capsule manufacturers around the world have researched possible natural solutions. Consider trying the following vitamins and supplements:
Do Sleep Supplements Work
Yes. That doesnt mean that every sleep aid will work for you, however. Everyones body is different. We all have different sleeping problems and health conditions. You may have to sample several different products before finding the supplement that works best for you. Members of our review team have tried all of the sleep aids on this list. Were certain that one of them will work for you.
Also Check: How Much Vitamin C Is In A Cutie
Nod Off Naturally With These 5 Vitamins To Help Sleep
If youre not getting enough sleep, you may experience extreme mood changes, memory issues, and a weakened immune system. One of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health is sleep.
There are many vitamins to help sleep deprivation. They are a natural alternative to prescription medications that may have unwelcome side effects. Always read labels and inserts that come with vitamin supplements to use them safely.
For more tips on natural remedies and vitamins, please explore the rest of our site.
More About Vitamin Supplements
The consensus would seem to be that generally, it doesnt hurt to take a multivitamin every day. But there is limited evidence that they are actually helpful for the average person.
Supplements are never a substitute for a balanced, healthful diet, Dr. JoAnn Manson, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, was quoted as saying in an article from Harvard Medical School. Its best to get the vitamins you need from the food you consume first, and not rely on supplements as your main source.
But there may be a placebo effect to taking vitamin pills, Manson later added in the article, as people feel healthier if they do something they believe makes them healthy. Supplements can also be extremely helpful for certain high-risk groups, such as vitamin D and calcium for adults with osteoporosis.
You might be uncertain whether you should take your supplements first thing in the morning, or whether at night. A popular thought behind the idea of taking your supplements at night is that you will draw nutrients from them as you sleep, just like you take nutrition from your food during the day.
As a general rule, you should take your supplements with food. Many different kinds may upset your stomach if you dont take them with a meal or snack.
Drink plenty of water as well, for any water-soluble vitamins.
You May Like: Can You Take Vitamins While On Chemotherapy
What Vitamins Should I Take For Sleep
All vitamins and minerals are essential to maintaining good physical health and mental wellbeing. A multivitamin could be a good starting point but it is advisable to ask your doctor for a blood test to determine exactly what vitamins you are deficient in. A healthy body will feel at ease and help you sleep better at night. A lack of essential vitamins can lead to sleep disorders and restless leg syndrome.
Magnesium To Regulate Melatonin
Magnesium is another nutrient that the body relies on for countless functions, including brain activity and heart health. Studies have shown that magnesium can directly impact the production of melatonin. Likewise, low magnesium levels can be directly linked to poor sleep and even insomnia. In a study that gave participants 500 milligrams of magnesium for eight weeks, respondents noted improved sleep quality. After testing, the participants showed higher levels of melatonin and renin, two sleep-regulating hormones.
Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Vitamin D To Take For Deficiency
The Top 12 Natural Sleep Supplements
Medical Reviewer
Looking for the most effective, science-backed supplements for deep sleep? Then youve come to the right place, as youre about to learn the most effective sleep supplements that will help you get to sleep faster and sleep deeper during the night. Sleep is critical for energy levels, and yet, for people with disturbed sleep, it can be a jungle when you are looking to find out which are the best supplements to help sleep through the night. If youre looking for insomnia supplements or supplements that help you sleep deep and restfully each night, then youre in luck because, in this post, we have gathered the top 12 natural sleep supplements. .
Contents
Vitamin B9 Folic Acid
Folic acid can cause sleep problems due to the way that it works with vitamin B12 and the mineral iron. A folic acid deficiency can in effect cause iron deficiency or other conditions associated with sleep deprivation including depression, anxiety, headaches, or nerve damage. The psychological impacts of folic acid deficiency can also lead to insomnia.
Foods rich in folic acid include egg yolk, green leafy vegetables, nuts and other legumes, and animal liver and kidneys. A complex B vitamin supplement works best when supplementing B9 due to its close link to vitamin B12.
Recommended Reading: How Much Vitamin D Is Recommended
Sleep Disorders Are Dangerous For Our Health
Eating habits are vital for quality sleep. Nutrients, such as vitamin C, may affect sleep quality, difficulty falling asleep, insomnia, sleep-related breathing disorders, increased daytime sleepiness, restless legs syndrome, and duration of sleep.
Certainly, sleep disorders impair the quality of life. Moreover, they increase the risk of diseases, such as hypertension, stroke, type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, mood disorders, and dementia. Additionally, sleep disorders significantly increase the risk of road traffic injuries.
Why Passion Flower Is One Of The Best Sleep Supplements
Passion flower is a popular supplement and tea that has been found very effective for helping to relieve both anxiety and insomnia. What passion flower does is to boost the level of sleep promoting GABA in the brain. Passion flower also helps to quiet brain activity, helping individuals relax, quiet the mind, and sleep better. In a 2004 study of 40 individuals with insomnia, passion flower proved to enhance sleep significantly more than the placebo.
It has also been found to be highly effective for relieving anxiety, depression, and insomnia in women going through menopause.
Also Check: What Foods Have Calcium And Vitamin D
How Many Hours Of Sleep Do We Need Per Night
The National Sleep Foundation guidelines recommends 7-9 h of sleep per night for healthy adults of 2664 years old. Elderly need only 7-8 h of sleep per night.
Adults who sleep less than 6 h a night and elderly with fewer than 5 h of sleep have insufficient sleep.
On the other hand, more than 9h of sleep is significantly associated with mortality, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, coronary heart disease, and obesity!
Be More Mindful Mindfulness Meditation For Sleep
Mindfulness is the act of focussing on your breathing to help being your attention to the present not leaving it to dwell on the past or worry about the future.
Several studies have shown that learning mindfulness techniques can dramatically improve sleep quality.30
Try focussing on your breathing and being present throughout the day and before bed to see if this type of sleep meditation can help you.
Also Check: How Much Vitamin C For Children
Who Shouldnt Take Valerian Root
Although valerian root is generally considered safe, the following people shouldnt take it:
- Women who are pregnant or nursing. The risk to the developing baby hasnt been evaluated, though a 2007 study in rats determined that valerian root most likely doesnt affect the developing baby.
- Children younger than 3 years of age. The safety of valerian root hasnt been tested in children under 3.
Dont combine valerian root with alcohol, other sleep aids, or antidepressants.
Also avoid combining it with sedative drugs, such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines . Valerian root also has a sedative effect, and the effect can be addictive.
If youre taking any medications, ask your doctor if its safe to take valerian root. Valerian root may also increase the effects of anesthesia. If youre planning to have a surgery, inform your doctor and anesthesiologist that youre taking valerian root.
Get Back In Touch With Your Natural Cycle
Before any morning alarms, bedtimes or clocks of any sort were set, us humans relied on the natural sleep system in our bodies to dictate our when and how much we slept.
Known as our circadian rhythm or natural sleep-wake cycle, this process in which our bodies release different hormones to make us wake up, get tired and eventually fall asleep again at night.
Getting in sync with it can help regulate when and how long we sleep for and its our own bodies that have decided on those values, so we can trust we are getting what we need.
Heres some tips on how to tune-in to your natural sleep-wake cycle:
Studies have found that short sleepers and long sleepers are at increased risk for all-cause mortality compared to individuals who report a medium amount of sleep per night so its important to get the balance right!38
Recommended Reading: What Vitamins Help With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Avoid Naps During The Day
Due to poor sleep at night, people with insomnia tend to be sleepy during the day, which often leads to daytime napping.
While naps of short duration have been linked to improvements in alertness and well-being, there are mixed opinions about the effects of napping on nighttime sleep.
Some studies have shown that regular naps that are long , and late may lead to poor nighttime sleep quality and even sleep deprivation .
In a study of 440 college students, the poorest nighttime sleep quality was observed in those who reported taking three or more naps per week, those who napped for more than 2 hours, and those who napped late .
A 1996 study found that older adults who napped frequently had lower quality nighttime sleep, more depressive symptoms, and more limited physical activity. They were also more likely to be overweight than those who rarely took a nap .
A recent study of high-schoolers concluded that daytime napping led to shorter sleep duration and lower sleep efficiency (
, 33).
A study of 24 young adults demonstrated that sedative music promoted deeper sleep .
Listening to Buddhist music may be another great tool for better sleep, as it can reduce the amount of time it takes you to fall asleep. This parameter is known as sleep onset.
Buddhist music is created from different Buddhist chants and is used for meditation .
Lastly, if relaxing music isnt available, blocking all noise could also help you fall asleep faster and promote uninterrupted sleep (
The Complete Beginners Guide On How To Get Better Sleep With Vitamins And Minerals
Roughly speaking, supplementing vitamins and minerals may help reduce insomnia, thereby reducing the incidence and impact of sleep deprivation.
But to understand the relationship between nutrients and sleep quality, lets first unpack the relationship between insomnia and sleep deprivation…
- Insomnia pertains to persistent problems with falling and staying asleep, especially when making a concerted effort to get better sleep.
- Sleep Deprivation is a health condition that occurs when you fail to get enough sleepin other words, sleep deprivation is a consequence of insomnia.
Of course, sleep deprivation varies from mild, such as after one anomalously bad night of sleep, to severe, typically as a consequence of severe insomnia.
Ongoing insomnia may contribute to a severe state of sleep deprivation that negatively affects not only your daytime performance but underlying health systems as well.
Its one thing to get one night of bad sleep and feel tired and irritable throughout the following day.
Its another thing entirely to consistently get bad sleep, all the while accruing a large amount of sleep debt that eventually youll have to pay with long-lasting health conditions or fatigue syndromes.
Insomnia may be a reflection of any number of underlying physiological and/or psychological problems.
However, one particularly common contributor to poor sleep quality is malnutrition, or, more specifically, a lack of essential vitamins and minerals.
Don’t Miss: Is Vitamin D Good For You
