
11 Aug 2020
Five Vitamins Linked to Sleep
You might find yourself tossing and turning night after night for any number of reasons. But here is one you may not have thought of: vitamin deficiencies.
“We know that diet and sleep are deeply connected,” says Michael Breus, PhD, who blogs as The Sleep Doctor. He says there are five vitamins “that appear to play a role in how much sleep we get and how restful and high quality that sleep is.”
VITAMIN B6
LINK TO SLEEP
Researchers have found that vitamin B6 plays a role in the production of melatonin, a hormone crucial for proper sleep. This nutrient also plays a role in mood regulation and as Breus puts it, “There’s a strong correlation between depression and sleep problems.” Fun fact: “Vitamin B6 may help people increase their ability to remember their dreams,” according to Breus.†
OTHER FUNCTIONS
Vitamin B6 is a busy nutrient. It supports more than 100 enzymatic reactions within the body and plays roles in protein metabolism and immune function, and in maintaining normal levels of an amino acid called homocysteine, which has been linked to cardiovascular disease.*†
FOOD SOURCES
Bananas, bell peppers, poultry, spinach, turnip greens
VITAMIN B12
LINK TO SLEEP
Researchers have found a link between vitamin B12 deficiency and sleeplessness. “Several studies have demonstrated that this vitamin is involved in regulating sleep-wake cycles by helping to keep circadian rhythms [the body’s internal clock] in sync,” says Breus.†
OTHER FUNCTIONS
Vitamin B12 is needed for proper neurological function and the production of red blood cells. Like B6, it also helps control homocysteine.*†
FOOD SOURCES
Liver, sardines, salmon, shellfish, snapper
VITAMIN C
LINK TO SLEEP
Studies have associated low levels of vitamin C with such signs of poor sleep as frequent nighttime awakenings and waking up too early without ever getting back to sleep. In addition, a lack of vitamin C may play a role in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition marked by interruptions in breathing throughout the night that result in poor-quality sleep. Vitamin C also helps the body absorb non-heme iron, a form of this important mineral found in plant-based foods and a nutrient linked to reductions in restless legs syndrome, in which jumpy legs make it difficult to stay asleep.*†
OTHER FUNCTIONS
Vitamin C helps protect cells from free-radical damage.† It is also used in the production of collagen, a crucial protein found in skin, bone and connective tissue.*
FOOD SOURCES
Bell pepper, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, lemons, oranges, parsley, strawberries
VITAMIN D
LINK TO SLEEP
“There is a growing body of research showing vitamin D affects both how much sleep we get and how well we sleep,” says Breus. For example, a 2018 analysis in the journal Nutrients, which included nine studies involving nearly 9,400 participants, found that people who were D-deficient “had a significantly increased risk of sleep disorders,” including poor sleep quality and short sleep duration, according to the study team’s report. And Breus notes that being low in D has been “linked to more severe cases of OSA.”†
OTHER FUNCTIONS
As one of calcium’s nutrient partners, vitamin D is needed to build healthy bones; it also plays a role in immune function. In addition, evidence suggests that D may contribute to the regulation of blood pressure and glucose usage.*†
FOOD SOURCES
Cod, eggs, mackerel, milk (enriched), salmon, sardines, shrimp; also created in skin exposed to sunlight
VITAMIN E
LINK TO SLEEP
As with vitamin D, low levels of vitamin E have also been linked to an increased risk of OSA. In addition, scientists have found that vitamin E may help protect against the memory problems that may occur as the result of sleep loss.†
OTHER FUNCTIONS
Vitamin E helps protect cells from free-radical damage and supports cardiovascular well-being.*†
FOOD SOURCES
Almonds, chard, spinach, sunflower seeds, whole grains
†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described.
The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Latest Post
-
Another January, another diet? by Cathy Houghton
Does this bring January to mind? If so this...
read more -
Movember Men's Health
Nature's Bounty came across this very interesting article written by...
read more -
-
-
Five Vitamins Linked to Sleep
You might find yourself tossing and turning night after night...
read more -
Meet Our Team

JACQUIE DENBOW
PROPRIETOR AND REFLEXOLOGIST
My passion in natural healthcare swayed me to abandon my career in teaching, learning and development, taking over as Proprietor of Nature's Bounty back in 2010. It has been the most amazing and fulfilling journey where every day...
Read more
SOLOMON STEVENS
CUSTOMER SERVICE ADVISER
I'm delighted to be continuing my journey into Health and Nutrition as member of the team at Nature's Bounty and bring my own set of skills and knowledge to compliment those of my colleagues. I'm...
Read more
ANDY MOREY
CUSTOMER SERVICE ADVISER AND INDEPENDENT PRACTITIONER
I hold a BSc in Sports Science and have a wealth of experience working in Natural Health. I work on the shop floor at Nature's Bounty on a part-time basis and have my own private practice outside of...
Read more
IRENE MELVILLE (Independent Practitioner)
KINESIOLOGIST
A holistic treatment with an emphasis on blood type, nutrition treatment and osteopathy. I am a highly qualified Specialist earning an outstanding reputation among my professional peers from all corners of the globe. ...
Read more
CAROL MARTIN (Independent Practitioner)
HOLISTIC THERAPIST
Welcome to my profile! I have over 17 years experience working in Complimentary Health. I see clients at Nature's Bounty for Reflexology, Footcare Health, Indian Head Massage, Aromatherapy Massage and Swedish Massage. ...
Read more
CATHY HOUGHTON (Independent Practitioner)
HEALTH COACH
Cathy Houghton is the founder of Blossom Health Coaching, based in Newton Abbot. Her aim is to help women on their journey to better health and wellness. For many women this involves finding peace with their bodies, their...
Read more
JULIA SIMMONS (Independent Practitioner)
COUNSELLOR
I am a Registered Counsellor with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. I have a background in art, dance, Social work (Adult Health Care) and massage. My personal life experience of loss and bereavement,...
Read more
PHIL ALLEN (Independent Practitioner)
Hypnotherapist
Over 25 years experience of workiing with clients . RN, BCH, CI. Clinical Hypnotism Thought Field Therapy Philip is a practising hypnotist, a Reiki/ Sekhem Master Teacher of over 25 years,...
Read moreNature's Bounty on Twitter
-
natures-bounty @Nature_Bounty
Another January, another diet? by Cathy Houghton Blossom Health Coaching Read the full blog on our website https://t.co/fpn8BWM06b
-
natures-bounty @Nature_Bounty
#Movember #MensHealth Awareness Month. Health-supporting herbs to maintain peak well-being. Read the full article https://t.co/BXuUZHsfeg
-
natures-bounty @Nature_Bounty
Some Good News about Getting Older #positiveageing #healthyageing #improvingbrainfunction #eatingforlaterlife… https://t.co/HoIW4SJKFi