Dig into nutrition and upgrade your sleep quality
If you're struggling to get a good night's sleep, it might be time to evaluate your nutrition. Research indicates that deficiencies in Vitamin D and calcium could be contributing to poor sleep quality.
In a study, participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a placebo, Vitamin D, and Vitamin D with calcium. After 24 weeks, those who took both calcium and Vitamin D showed improvements in overall sleep quality, shorter time to fall asleep, and better daytime functioning.
This isn't the first time Vitamin D has been associated with sleep. A review of 19 studies also linked Vitamin D deficiency with poor sleep quality. Individuals with low Vitamin D levels tend to have more difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and achieving restful sleep.
The connection might be due to Vitamin D's role in two key aspects of healthy sleep: the circadian rhythm and melatonin production. Sunlight is crucial for sleep quality as it regulates the sleep-wake cycle. People with lower Vitamin D levels often get less sunlight, which disrupts their circadian rhythm and hinders their body's ability to signal when it's time to sleep.
Vitamin D also aids in melatonin production, the hormone that promotes better sleep.
To determine if low Vitamin D levels are affecting your sleep, consider getting a blood test. If you're deficient, aim for at least 15 minutes of sunlight exposure each morning. This can help boost Vitamin D levels and regulate your circadian rhythm, leading to improved sleep quality.
