Vitamins for Stress and Sleep

Healthful Vitality | 10/10/2021 | By NP Contributor | Vitamins for Stress and Sleep

There are numerous vitamins, minerals, and some vitamin-like compounds that may help fight stress better and improve sleep quality. Most of these vitamins or other micronutrients would not work instantly or cause sedation. However, when used continually, they may help enhance the quality of sleep and reduce stress.

These vitamins may be good for minor sleep disorders and mild stress. However, for more severe stress, one may need medical treatment.

Chronic low-level stress is quite common and yet challenging to recognize. For example, if a person cannot sleep well for more than three days a week for six months or more, it may mean insomnia. Vitamins and micronutrients would work for insomnia, too. However, such a severe condition may need medical attention.

Melatonin

It isn’t a vitamin exactly, but a vitamin-like substance that also acts as a sleep hormone. It is especially good at regulating the sleep cycle, that is, circadian rhythm. There is strong evidence from various studies that it may help improve sleep and reduce stress in many ways. It reduces time to fall asleep, helps have a sound sleep for longer hours, and improves sleep quality. In addition, it may enhance the so-called cycles of deep sleep and light sleep. A person goes through multiple such cycles during the night.

Vitamin B-complex

Vitamin B-complex is not one vitamin, rather a combination of various vitamins belonging to group B (e.g., B1, B2, B6, B12). They are water-soluble, and the body has their small reserves, and thus the risk of deficiency. These are the best vitamins for nerve health. Researchers are unsure how these vitamins work, but they help reduce stress, boost brain health, and improve sleep quality. Vitamin B6 helps fight stress and influences sleep quality. Vitamin B12 may help fall asleep faster and improve circadian rhythm. Moreover, vitamin B complex may help calm nerves, reduce restless leg syndrome, and may even help with nerve pains.

Glycine

It is an amino acid that helps build proteins in the body. However, now studies show that individual amino acids may have various health effects. Glycine has a calming effect, improves focus, reduces stress. Studies show that it may help enhance the quality of sleep, reduce daytime sleepiness. It primarily helps by making the body more resistant to stress.

Magnesium

It is a micronutrient, a mineral needed in small amounts to boost various body functions. It helps increase the production of enzymes that help fight stress, improve nerve conduction, and improve sleep quality. Magnesium is among the most recommended minerals for fighting stress and improving sleep quality.

L-theanine

It is an amino acid that is present in small amounts in green tea. Besides, it helps improve mood, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality. It is also regarded as good for brain health. Furthermore, it is especially good for those who are having sleep issues due to known stress.

Finally, one should be careful not to abuse vitamins. Using fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D and A could be especially bad as these vitamins may cause some side effects at higher doses. Like vitamin D at higher doses may cause nausea and vomiting. Vitamin A may cause bone loss at higher dosages.

Related: Best Vitamins for the Digestive System