Coping with insomnia? Blame these vitamin deficiencies for insomnia

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Just as diet has a role to play in body weight, longevity and the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and metabolic disorders, it can also have an impact on the risk of insomnia. | Photo credit: iStock Images

Highlights The inability to get enough, peaceful sleep can lead to restlessness and irritability for the day ahead. Found in abundance in citrus fruits, vitamin C is a concentrate of antioxidants known for its positive impact on the fight against inflammation, strengthening the immune system, bones and teeth. If one is deficient in vitamin B6, the body fails to produce sleep hormones properly, thus inducing insomnia.

New Delhi: Insomnia these days knows no age limits – whether it’s exam stress or workload, people these days have trouble sleeping too often. However, stress and depression are not the only two factors to blame for these sleepless nights – they can also arise due to nutritional deficiencies.

Insomnia: Effects on Overall Health

Failure to get sufficient, peaceful sleep can lead to restlessness and irritability for the day ahead. But that’s not all, take a look at other ways insomnia can affect overall health:

Mood swings High blood pressure Increased risk of insulin resistance High risk of diabetes Weight gain Obesity Poor immunity

Are nutrient deficiencies responsible for insomnia?

Just as diet has a role to play in body weight, longevity and the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and metabolic disorders, it can also have an impact on the risk of insomnia. And that being said, there are certain impairments that could give you insomnia. Read on to find out if you’re in the same group.

Vitamin C: Found in abundance in citrus fruits, vitamin C is a concentrate of antioxidants known for its positive impact on the fight against inflammation, strengthening the immune system, bones and teeth. However, its list of benefits expands to include better management of sleep apnea as well. According to a 2009 study, 100 mg of vitamin C and 400 IU of vitamin E were linked to fewer episodes of sleep apnea. Get your share of this essential nutrient by including oranges, berries, peppers, broccoli, lemon, and Brussels sprouts in your diet. Vitamin B6: Our bodies need melatonin and serotonin for restful sleep. However, if one is deficient in vitamin B6, the body fails to produce sleep hormones properly, which leads to insomnia. To beat vitamin B6 deficiency, include foods like bananas, peanuts, oats, pork, chicken, fish, and turkey in your diet. Vitamin E: Experts have long emphasized the importance of vitamin E for healthy skin and hair. Yet, it’s rare for someone to explain how necessary this nutrient is for your sleep patterns. Plus, this nutrient helps prevent sleep deprivation memory loss and prevents long-term cognitive decline. To get your share of vitamin E, include foods like almonds, sunflower oil and seeds, pumpkin, collard greens, spinach, and red peppers in your diet. Vitamin D: Vitamin D or the sunshine vitamin is commonly known as the nutrient that helps keep bones strong, but few people know how this might help regulate mood and prevent inflammation. But now, more and more research is highlighting how this nutrient can also help improve sleep patterns. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to shorter sleep time, according to one study. Don’t worry, because you can compensate for this deficiency naturally by sitting in the sun, eating mushrooms, salmon, sardines, egg yolks, and fortified foods.

Disclaimer: The tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare professional if you have specific questions about a medical problem.

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