Insomnia can be caused by many factors, including stress, anxiety, depression, and poor sleep habits. Chronic pain, hormonal imbalances (such as menopause), and medical conditions such as sleep apnea can also contribute to the condition. In some cases, lifestyle factors such as excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, irregular sleep schedules, and screen exposure before bed play important roles. However, a poor sleep schedule can also be caused by certain nutrient deficiencies.
How do you determine if your insomnia is related to a nutritional deficiency?
To evaluate whether insomnia is related to nutritional deficiencies, it is important to evaluate the patient’s diet and overall health. Key signs include fatigue, cramps or irritability, which can indicate the body is lacking essential nutrients such as magnesium or zinc. Blood testing for these nutrients can help identify deficiencies, in addition to evaluating symptoms and medical history.
3 Nutrient deficiencies significantly affect sleep quality
Magnesium, zinc and calcium are known to impact sleep. For example, magnesium helps regulate sleep-related neurotransmitters like GABA and melatonin. Zinc supports immune function and influences sleep duration, while calcium is involved in the regulation of REM sleep. A deficiency in these minerals can lead to restless sleep or insomnia. Magnesium helps calm the nervous system by regulating neurotransmitters that promote relaxation and sleep. Zinc plays a role in melatonin production, which helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Calcium works with tryptophan to produce melatonin and is involved in deeper sleep stages such as REM.
According to Dr. Akansha Dwivedi, senior consultant at Homoeo Amigo, “Magnesium plays an important role in many body functions, including muscle relaxation and regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. By ensuring adequate magnesium intake through diet or supplementation, many people can improve their sleep quality and experience fewer problems related to insomnia.”
Signs of deficiency lead to sleep disorders
According to Dr. Dharmesh Shah, founder, director of Holistica World, “Magnesium deficiency can manifest as muscle cramps, anxiety or fatigue, which can interfere with sleep. Calcium deficiency can lead to sleep disorders, especially during REM sleep, while zinc deficiency can cause symptoms such as impaired immune function and difficulty sleeping.
Is this deficiency specific to age groups and lifestyle choices?
Older adults, people with digestive disorders (like Crohn’s disease), or people with unhealthy diets (e.g., lots of processed foods) are more likely to miss out on these minerals. High stress, lifestyle choices, and underlying health conditions can also cause imbalance.
What is the function of magnesium?
A common misconception is that only magnesium supports sleep when in fact it works synergistically with other nutrients such as Vitamin B6, calcium and zinc. Another myth is that supplements are always the solution, while dietary changes can sometimes be more effective in maintaining healthy mineral levels.
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