Important Nutrients

Melatonin is a hormone found naturally in the body. It's main job in the body is to regulate night and day cycles or sleep-wake cycles. Darkness causes the body to produce more melatonin, which signals the body to prepare for sleep. Light decreases melatonin production and signals the body to prepare for being awake.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that serves several important purposes, like nitrogen balance in adults and growth in infants. It helps to promote healthier and better quality sleep. It can also relief us from depression and anxiety, as well as improving our emotional well being.

Research has shown that maintaining sufficient levels of Vitamins B3, B5, B6, B9 and B12 may help achieve good sleep. B vitamins help regulate the body’s level of tryptophan, an amino acid important for maintaining healthy sleep. Vitamin B3 often promotes sleep in people who have insomnia caused by depression and increases effectiveness of tryptophan. Deficiency of B5 can cause sleep disturbances and fatigue, so keeping good levels can support your body in time of stress and anxiety. Vitamin B9 deficiency has been linked to insomnia. Vitamin B12 is reported to help insomniacs who have problems falling asleep, as well as promoting normal sleep-awake cycles.

Magnesium is the mineral to help your body release tension and relax. Cramps, tight muscles and insomnia are all signs you may need to add supplemental magnesium into your day.

Iron-deficient women tend to have more problems sleeping, so if your blood is iron poor, a supplement might help your ability to sleep.