Millions of people have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. For some, the cause can be attributed to stress, fear, anxiety, excess caffeine, or over-stimulation caused by television, video games, or computer activities. For others, the cause can be as simple as a lack of vitamin D in the body.
Consequences of Insomnia
Insomnia can have powerful effects on a person’s quality of life. It may cause:
- Irritability
- Hyperactivity
- Lethargy
- Depressed
- Aggression
- Mood swings
- Memory problems
- Decreased attention span
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulty concentrating at school or work
What Does Vitamin D Do?
Vitamin D is key in allowing minerals to absorb properly and metabolize in the body. It also regulates normal cell growth function and promotes blood sugar regulation. Additionally, vitamin D assists in the buildup of healthy tissue and the regulation of the immune system.
In addition to insomnia, vitamin D deficiency can factor into the causes of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, rickets, other bone disorders, osteoporosis, and depression.
Treating Insomnia with Vitamin D Regulation
There are many over-the-counter and prescription medications available for the insomniac. However, these medications often take awhile to work and can leave a person feeling groggy for hours afterward. Some have potentially harmful side effects.
It can be beneficial to ask a physician to perform a simple blood test to check the levels of vitamin D in the body. According to U.S. Doctor, some studies have shown that adults need 3000–5000 IU of vitamin D per day, with the minimum healthy requirement being 2000 IU per day.
There are three specific ways to increase the amount of vitamin D an individual gets:
- For light-skinned individuals, get about 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure per day. For darker-skinned individuals, get about 40 minutes. Beyond this time, use an SPF lotion to protect the skin.
- Eat a diet rich in oily fish, spinach, broccoli, fruits and fortified milk, although acquiring the recommended amount through diet alone is unlikely.
- Take a vitamin D supplement of 1000-2000 IU daily.
Other Tips for Insomniacs
- Use the bed only for bedtime.
- Keep the same nighttime schedule each night.
- Take a luxurious warm bath before bed.
- Create a relaxing environment to sleep in, including dim lights, climate control, and soft, soothing music.
- Learn Relaxation Techniques to quiet the mind prior to sleeping.
- Reduce stimulating activities before bedtime
- Do not drink caffeine past 2 p.m.
- Exercise daily.
- Use a white noise machine to block out excess outside noise.
- Consult a counselor for extra help venting stress.
Sometimes curing insomnia is as simple as checking the blood levels of vitamin D. Soon, trouble falling asleep and staying asleep can be a thing of the past.
Related Article:
Rickets Due to Vitamin D Deficiency
Insomnia in Toddlers and Children
