According to the "American Academy of Sleep Medicine," insomnia, or sleeplessness, can make people feel tired and grumpy and can affect a person's ability to focus, remember things and function at work and while driving. Although there is no miracle cure for insomnia, herbs, vitamins, hormones, and even sex have been suggested to help alleviate the frustrations accompanied with sleeplessness. Before you take any herbs or supplements for insomnia, consult your doctor.
Magnesium and Melatonin Production
Although, as of 2010, magnesium has not been proved to treat insomnia, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine has suggested its role in the production of melatonin, a hormone that is released by the brain to regulate normal sleeping patterns. Magnesium assists in the synthesis of melatonin from the hormone seratonin, a process thought to work more effectively in the nighttime. Furthermore, a study conducted by A Jay Billyard and researchers in 2006 and published in "Magnesium Research," showed that a magnesium deficiency leads to a lower concentration of plasma melatonin in rats.
Iron and Restless Leg Syndrome
Iron can help make people with restless legs syndrome, or RLS, sleepy. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders, people with RLS typically have trouble falling asleep, which causes them to suffer from exhaustion, fatigue, and lack of focus during the day. Research by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders has indicated that low levels of iron in the brain could be responsible for RLS and suggests correcting an iron deficiency, if one exists, to help maintain a regular sleeping pattern. Additionally, serum ferritin, an index of iron deficiency, has been shown to approximate the extent of sleeplessness for seniors with RLS.
Vitamin A
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine advices against taking too much vitamin A, even though high levels tend to make a person feel extremely sleepy. According to the "American Academy of Sleep Medicine," a vitamin A toxicity can lead to sluggishness, sleepiness, and grouchiness. Although there are several dangers involved in a vitamin A toxicity, including rough skin, severe headaches and weakness, it can also lead to an unavoidable need to go to sleep.
References
- "American Academy of Sleep Medicine"; Finding a Cure for Insomnia: A Review of Common Treatments
- "Magnesium Research"; Dietary magnesium deficiency decreases plasma melatonin in rats.; A Jay Billyard et al; September; 2006
- "National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke"; Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet; April; 2001
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