Facts about Vitamins and minerals concerning insomnia

There are certain vitamins and minerals that if not at optimum levels in a person’s body, can contribute to insomnia.

Insomnia may mean you have a hard time going to sleep or that you have a hard time staying asleep. Usually, you will know if you are experiencing insomnia because you will remember tossing and turning or being awake at night

Insomnia can be caused by fear, stress, anxiety, medications, herbs, caffeine, depression, or other mental conditions and sometimes occurs for no apparent reason. An overactive mind or physical pain may also be causes. Finding the underlying cause of insomnia is usually necessary to cure it.

Sleep medicine is a recognized medical subspecialty. Doctors who specialize in sleep medicine help people who are unable to sleep well. Sleep doctors are able to detect and treat both common and rare sleep disorders. Some common sleep disorders are insomnia, jet lag, sleepwalking, snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
A well balanced diet is important way to deal with sleep problems.  Check your iron level. Iron deficient women tend to have more problems sleeping, so if your blood is iron poor, a supplement might help.  Cut out coffee, chocolate, and caffeinated soda, particularly in the evening.  Carbohydrate snacks such whole grain crackers before bedtime may help to promote sleep. Gentle, slow music is another remedy that can help to improve sleep without medication.

A child who gets enough sleep and sleeps well is more likely to be cheerful during the day. The better the child sleeps, the happier the entire family will be. Most sleep problems in children are not a result of bad parenting. If your child has an ongoing sleep problem, then you should talk to your child’s doctor or to a sleep specialist. In reality, sleeping is your most valuable activity of the day.

Tryptophan is an amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin, which is then converted to melatonin.  Magnesium is a natural sedative. Deficiency of magnesium can result in difficulty sleeping, constipation, muscle tremors or cramps, anxiety, irritability, and pain.

When you eat a diet rich in fats, sodium, and unnecessary sugars, your digestive tract pays the price. One of the side effects of an unhealthy digestive tract is stomach upset, heartburn, and indigestion. In many cases, those symptoms show up at night when your body is trying to rest.

Since vitamins are so important both for growth and sleep, it might be a good idea that everyone in your family takes a vitamin supplement.