Bulletproof your sleep with Vitamin D

It is rarely noticed; however, more than half of the total population of the world is believed to be deficient in Vitamin D indicating the large population of people find it difficult to sleep at night.  It affects the quality of sleep which may lead to mood swings during the rest of the day.

Several studies have been undertaken establishing the link between sleep and Vitamin D. It has been reported that Vitamin D deficiency leads to sleep disorder.

The deficiency manifests itself as a result of our lifestyle – working indoors, staying all covered under the sun, using sunscreen and an imbalanced diet.  The interaction our skin has with the UVB rays of the sun coupled with a cholesterol derivative in our body leads to the synthesis of Vitamin D in our body.

An important study comes from Anthony Norman from the University of California, Riverside, a recognized authority in the field of Vitamin D research, which points out the link between Vitamin D and sleep. Vitamin D is linked to a strong mind, strong immune system and a healthy heart – all factors that affect the quality of sleep.

Factors such as age, weight, complexion of the skin, average exposure to the sun and medical history play an important rule to judge the appropriate dosage of Vitamin D you should take. Excess of Vitamin D leads to headaches and inflammation in the body, while the lack of it, may lead to a series of disorders including poor bone health.

Vitamin D can be obtained through a healthy diet or through supplementation. For starters, Vitamin D rich foods are a good idea – fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and cod, shrimp, milk, eggs, certain types of mushrooms, fortified orange juice etc.

Alternately, you can obtain Vitamin D through moderate sun exposure for about 15-20 minutes during 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

It is important to stay balanced in your approach as excess of Vitamin D or the lack of it can both be detrimental to your health.  You may try supplements; however, it is recommended to consult your doctor to know the appropriate dose and frequency for which you should take Vitamin D.