You are always exhausted and still can not fall asleep? Maybe you have a vitamin deficiency!
Vitamin B6, B12 as well as folic acid have a positive influence on different metabolic processes in the body. Only if all three B vitamins are sufficiently available, the C1 metabolism can thus run smoothly the formation of energy-giving substances. Sleep disorders due to vitamin deficiency can occur in all age groups.
Possible consequences of a lack of vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid
A possible vitamin deficiency of the above B vitamins may be manifested by the following symptoms:
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- sleep disorders
- lack of concentration
- Listlessness and loss of performance
- Slight depressive mood
Variety of causes for a deficiency of B vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid
Some of the major causes of B vitamin deficiency are:
- Stress and increased performance requirements (eg during studies, at work or in the family)
- High physical activity and sports
- Consumption of stimulants such as nicotine, alcohol
- After operations
- Malnutrition (eg unbalanced diet with fast food or long diets, altered eating habits in the elderly)
- Uptake of B vitamins (common in the elderly, eg in chronic gastritis)
- Taking certain medications (eg birth control pills, antidiabetics)
- Vegitarians and vegans
For the treatment of vitamin B deficiency, there are a number of new drugs, which were presented, inter alia, at the annual meeting of the German Society for Sleep Research and Sleep Medicine (DGSM) 2015 in Mainz and 2018 in Nuremberg.
Not to mention: Iron deficiency, vitamin D and magnesium can also lead to exhaustion and sleep disorders.
Especially in the diagnostic clarification of anemia (anemia) which always causes fatigue and loss of performance is the study of iron metabolism one of the first steps. In the case of iron deficiency, the following laboratory values should at least always be measured in the blood:
- Iron – among other things, an important component of hemoglobin,
- Transferrin – protein for the transport of iron in the blood,
- Ferritin – protein for the storage of iron in the body more on the subject is explained for example on the website of the Health Portal of the Government of Austria very nicely.
Iron deficiency is not only bad for sleep but also for the ears.
Almost every fifth adult in Germany does not listen well. There are many reasons for this; frequent middle ear infections, too much noise, circulatory disorders of the middle ear, etc. The link between iron deficiency anemia and hearing impairment was discovered by Penn State University. The risk of hearing bad was about twice as high as normal in iron deficiency anemia. The explanation is the supply of the sensitive inner ear cells with oxygen. If the red blood cells are missing also the oxygen is missing. Therapy with iron preparations can usually remedy this iron deficiency quickly.
Vitamin D Lack
Symptoms: fatigue, sleep disorders and body aches
Typical signs of vitamin D deficiency are fatigue, fatigue, poor performance, but also morning bones and limbs pain. Other symptoms include:
- sleep disorders
- concentration problems
- a headache
- Depression, mood swings
Especially in the winter months, up to 60% of people in this country are affected. This is for older people, shift workers and even young adults. People from southern countries often need extra vitamin D here in the summer as well. Always check their Vitamin D levels first with your family doctor before taking the vitamin. Often, a 10-day daily intake plan and then slowly decreasing has proven useful, but again, you should consult your doctor about the treatment.
Vitamins are like little gears and they want to be watched. You should always discuss the program with your internist and regular supervision is a matter of course. Incidentally, the NDR recently had a nice program on the subject in the program.
Magnesium deficiency can cause sleep disorders with!
Insomnia and sleep disorders in magnesium deficiency are not at all so rare. Ein- or Durchschlafprobleme, as you have already read have many causes. Magnesium naturally occurs in the body and in our environment. Magnesium can be absorbed through the diet and, according to new studies, via the skin. Magnesium promotes sleep, reduces stress, strengthens the bones, counteracts muscle twitches and can strengthen the body’s defense. A balanced magnesium level protects, stabilizes the nerves, is stress-relieving and promotes healthy sleep for many.
Kohlreich, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, dairy products, legumes, the dark leaves of lettuce, spinach and chard are rich in magnesium. Magnesium gel for massaging helps over the skin.
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