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A deficiency of this vitamin can cause fatigue, restlessness, and mental stress, disrupting sleep, while lifestyle, diet, stress and inactivity also contribute to insomnia
Persistent insomnia should prompt a visit to the doctor for a health evaluation to identify any vitamin deficiencies. (Representative/Shutterstock)
Maintaining good health requires adequate sleep, and insufficient sleep can lead to various serious diseases. Many individuals struggle with sleeplessness, spending their nights tossing and turning. One significant cause of this issue is a deficiency in certain vitamins, particularly vitamin D and vitamin B12.
According to World Health Organization, Vitamin D, known for its role in bone health, also influences the production of serotonin, a hormone crucial for regulating sleep, mood, and anxiety. A deficiency in vitamin D leads to decreased serotonin levels, contributing to insomnia.
Similarly, vitamin B12 is vital for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Low levels of vitamin B12 can cause insomnia and restlessness, making it difficult for people to sleep properly at night. A lack of this vitamin can result in fatigue, restlessness, and mental stress, all of which negatively impact sleep. Lifestyle factors, diet, stress, and lack of physical exercise can also cause sleep issues.
Health experts refer to vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin” because it is derived from sunlight. They recommend daily exposure to sunlight for 15-20 minutes to address vitamin D deficiency, with supplements available upon medical advice if necessary. For vitamin B12, non-vegetarian foods like chicken, eggs, and dairy products are rich sources. Vegetarians may need to consider supplements under expert guidance to ensure sufficient intake.
Persistent insomnia should prompt a visit to the doctor for a health evaluation to identify any vitamin deficiencies. Correcting these deficiencies, alongside regular exercise and a proper diet, can significantly improve sleep quality and overall mental and physical health.