Sleep and Vitamins

Vitamins and Minerals Can Improve Sleep

Taking proper vitamins and minerals may prevent trouble falling or staying asleep. Too much copper, especially if taken prior to bedtime, may increase the occurrence of nightmares by over-stimulating the creative areas of the brain. Foods, such as grapes and chocolate, contain high levels of copper. As a result, cutting back on these foods prior to sleep may help.

Calcium, on the other hand, can help alleviate restlessness. A glass of warm milk at bedtime may help with relieving muscle cramps. For those who are lactose intolerant, taking a daily vitamin that offers a therapeutic dose of calcium may be a good choice. However, according to a study described by Dr. Carman et al., calcium supplements may slightly intensify agitation in psychotic patients. Vitamin D may also trigger such symptomatology.

A magnesium deficiency can detract from getting a full, deep sleep. Symptoms may include waking up at the slightest noise, and sleeping additional hours during the day. Diabetics are especially prone to magnesium deficiency. They can acquire the magnesium they need through natural sources, including nuts, broccoli, spinach and fish.

Every cell in the body needs the B vitamins (B1, thiamine, B2, riboflavin, B3, niacin, B5, pantothenic acid, B6, pyridoxine, B7, biotin, B12, cobalamine, and folic acid, folate)-particularly nerve cells. This is best exemplified by folate (the most common nutritional deficiency in the world). Women who are pregnant must have folate to avoid neural tube defects in their offspring. Vitamin B deficiency manifests itself in neurologic disorders, and thus, in sleep problems and muscle weakness. Vitamins B12 or B6 can also help in the therapeutic plan for depression.

Ebben et al., investigated the effect of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) on dreams in a placebo-controlled, double-blinded study. The researchers examined if vitamin B6 increased dream vividness or the ability to recall dreams. A dozen college students participated in three treatment conditions (ingesting either 100mg B6, 250mg B6, or a placebo prior to bedtime) for a period of five consecutive days.

Findings showed a significant difference in dream-salience scores (measures included vividness, bizarreness, emotionality, and color) between the 250mg condition and placebo. Vitamin B6 might increase cortical arousal during periods of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the researchers suggested.

P. Chan et al. investigated the safety and efficacy of vitamin B complex capsules in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study in elderly patients with severe nocturnal leg cramps. After three months of the study, 86 percent of the patients taking vitamin B had prominent remission of leg cramps, whereas the placebo group experienced no difference. The frequency, intensity and duration of nocturnal leg cramps were reduced. Vitamin B complex is a relatively safe and effective alternative, which clinicians should consider in the treatment for nocturnal leg cramps.

Other studies suggest that vitamin B12 may maintain the homeostasis of sleep and/or wake cycles, improve the sleep quality and increase alertness in a work environment.

Sleep deprivation has been associated with a reduction in niacin, and one of the manifestations is also seen with pelagra-dermatitis. Therefore, for those individuals who lack appropriate sleep hours, a dose of niacin could help alleviate potential problems.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS), a neurosensory disorder, has been associated with iron deficiency anemia. Thus, RLS is often treated with iron. Reduced serum folate levels have been associated with pregnant women with RLS. Serum ferritin and folate levels during pregnancy should be reviewed to minimize the complaints of restless legs, and to promote more healthy sleep and better daytime alertness during pregnancy.

Overall, a healthy equilibrium and functioning body requires vitamins and minerals to perform efficiently. If your body has increased stresses (smoking, overweight, emotional stress, etc.), then it likely requires increased antioxidants and other bio-available nutrient supplements to function at its fullest.

Always remember, too, that the body needs adequate water. The simple concept of refreshing our bodies with essential H2O is one that is often overlooked. The "8 glasses of water a day" will allow the vital organs to work at their best. The end result is to feel much better both in the daytime and at nighttime while sleeping.

In the end, make certain that the vitamin and mineral supplement is manufactured with USP and GMP quality, and contains appropriate amounts of nature's sleep ingredients like magnesium, calcium, vitamin B complex, and antioxidants.

Purchase physician-fomulated NYTEX - a natural supplement that contains a powerful antioxidant, PROCIDIN, and the proper dosage of ingredients & vitamins that address all cycles of sleep. http://www.buynytex.com

About Dr. Nikos...

o CEO of Tharos Laboratories, Inc. - a nutritional supplement company o Published author of over a dozen books, including The World of Children's Sleep o Former Editor-in-Chief of McGraw-Hill Companies, Health Sciences Division in New York. o Former Director of Clinical Research for The Natural Standard in Cambridge, MA o Served as the author of clinical review monographs covering natural extracts o Scientific Advisory Board Member of the Cranberry Institute o Research Associate at the Sleep & Behavioral Institute in Chicago, IL o Author of Ten Natural Ways to Healthy Sleep o An active lecturer o Monthly columnist for Sleep and Health News Journal

Dr. Nikos has extensive experience in the development and manufacturing of nutraceutical products, and has worked for both public as well as privately held companies in this market sector. He has a vast knowledge in FDA compliance, protocol design, and other physician-liaison functions.

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


The Perfect Supplement

I wanted to write this article because of my sincere... Read More

Sleep and Vitamins

Vitamins and Minerals Can Improve SleepTaking proper vitamins and minerals... Read More

Nutritional Nutrients

Nutrients form the basis for your body, emotional and spiritual... Read More

How To Choose A Good Quality Vitamin Supplement For You And Your Family Without Getting Ripped Off

As you may have already experienced, figuring out how to... Read More

The Liquid Vitamin Supplement

Not many years ago the liquid vitamin supplement was unheard... Read More

Discount Supplement

Discount Supplement ? what is it?Discount supplement is a term... Read More

The Secret to a Longer, Healthier, Happy Life is a Strong Immune System!

How can I improve my health and lifestyle beyond diet... Read More

Why Are Antioxidants Important To Me?

Did you know that when we breath oxygen, it interacts... Read More

Selenium: Activates Antioxidant Glutathione for Protection of Cells

Selenium is a type of trace mineral which supports healthy... Read More

Keeping Illnesses at Bay with Antioxidant Vitamins

Antioxidant vitamins perform many important tasks that our bodies benefits... Read More

The Colloidal Silver Controversy

Colloidal Silver might just be a wonderful thing and here's... Read More

How Does Whey Protein Affect My Body?

Whey protein is available in supplement form and whey protein... Read More

Improving Cellular Communication With Glyconutrients

The body is just mind-bogglingly amazing. I mean, when you... Read More

Bodybuilding Supplements May Not Be Necessary

To supplement or not to supplement ? that is the... Read More

Probiotics and Friendly Flora

You Need Probiotics For Better Digestion and Overall HealthInside your... Read More

Megadosing

If you're constantly digging your hand into a jar of... Read More

I Love My Glyconutrients

In today's modern world most people, like us, just do... Read More

Finally - The Truth About Calcium Supplements

Undoubtedly calcium has become a hot topic of controversy. We... Read More

Herbal Sex Supplements

There are numerous herbal supplements on the market today that... Read More

Vitamin Supplements, Do We Need Them?

We live in a health conscious generation where vitamins and... Read More

Vitamin Information for Health

Vitamin C may be the most famous vitamin. Tens of... Read More

Why Is Thiamin So Important?

What Is Thiamin?Known as Vitamin B1, thiamin was the very... Read More

Antioxidants Nutrients Have Powerful Anti-Cancer Activity!

Antioxidants . . . The Nutrients Boost The Immune System... Read More

Recommended Supplements for Weight Loss

There is a lot of confusion about weight loss supplementation,... Read More

The Best Liquid Calcium with Boron

Best liquid calcium with boronNo longer is the search for... Read More

HGH - Avoid Getting Ripped Off

HGH is an exciting new phenomenon, which aspires to help... Read More

Saw Palmetto

At the rate it's going, Saw Palmetto will soon be... Read More

Can Calcium Aid in Boosting Your Health?

A popular mineral today, coral calcium, is mainly calcium, but... Read More

B Vitamin Hype: With Ambitions of Fighting Acne, Rosacea and Tumors, What Can This Vitamin Really Do

Vitamin B is no small time player in the high... Read More

Acid Amino Arginine ? An Acid With Many Benefits

When you buy acid amino arginine you can look forward... Read More

8 Minerals Every Arthritis Sufferer Should Know About

Minerals are essential to maintain our bodies in top condition... Read More

Discover Natural Supplements That Really Give Relief From Arthritic Pain

If you suffer from arthritis pain, chances are you've heard... Read More

GlutImmune: Powder for Immunity and Digestion

GlutImmune? is a very convenient high absorption source of glutamine.... Read More