In my work as an author and researcher, I’ve taken a look at some of the causes of sleep problems. Sleep problems are often caused by nutrient deficiencies, especially calcium and magnesium. When you’re stressed, your calcium and magnesium levels get depleted, usually resulting in waking up in the middle of the night unable to fall back asleep. I recommend taking a calcium-magnesium supplement, as calcium will help calm you while magnesium will help to relax your muscles and relieve anxiety and tension, helping you to get sufficient sleep.

Copper and iron deficiencies can also be the cause of sleepless nights among women. 5-Hydroxy L-tryptophan (5-HTP) and the amino acid tryptophan (the magic ingredient in turkey that puts everyone to sleep after Thanksgiving Dinner) help maintain healthy serotonin levels, resulting in better sleep.

I also recommend taking a regular B-complex, which can help to relax you. B vitamins help to relieve stress, enhance sleep, and increase relaxation. In particular, Vitamin B1 on its own can help decrease poor sleep quality or nightmares, helping you to remain in a deep sleep throughout the night. I recommend taking a B-complex during the day, not close to bedtime, as these vitamins can have an energizing effect at first. Vitamin C is also important in stress-reduction and can be taken with selenium, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and zinc to fight stress-causing free radicals.

Tina Turbin