Vitamin B6 and sleep: can it really help us rest better?
Vitamin B6 plays an important role in many of our bodies’ processes, including energy production, hormone synthesis, and nervous system functions.
But can vitamin B6 also affect our sleep?
So yes, apparently, vitamin B6 can positively impact sleep quality, as research confirms.
What is vitamin B6?
Vitamin B6 is also known by the name “pyridoxine.” It is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning it can dissolve in water. But its unique feature is that we cannot store it in our bodies, so it is necessary to introduce it daily through the intake of specific foods.
What function does vitamin B6 play and how does it affect our sleep?
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, vitamin B6 is involved in the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate our body’s sleep-wake rhythm.
Indeed, vitamin B6 can indirectly influence our sleep through the production of serotonin and melatonin.
Where is vitamin B6 found?
Vitamin B6 is found naturally in many foods, both animal and plant-based. Let’s see together which ones to choose!
- Meat: like chicken and turkey.
- Fish: like salmon, tuna, and cod.
- Green leafy vegetables: like spinach and kale.
- Fruits: like bananas and avocados.
- Legumes: like chickpeas, black beans, and lentils.
- Whole grains: like rice, spelt, and barley.
- Seeds: like pistachios, walnuts, and sunflower seeds.
Let’s take care of our health: starting with sleep!
It’s important to remember that, in general, a balanced and varied diet will help provide all the nutrients we need to enjoy good health and sleep well. And don’t forget that bed systems also significantly influence our health.
Have you found the right mattress, bed base, and pillow yet?
