Vitamin D Intake Linked to Sleep Quality

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Vitamin D intake has been linked to overall sleep quality, possibly because of its role in regulating melatonin and serotonin, hormones involved in the body’s sleep–wake cycle.

Licensed pharmacist Emmanuella Ogbonna said low vitamin D levels (below 20 ng/mL) are associated with shorter sleep duration and difficulty sleeping.

In an article published in Health on Thursday, she said maintaining adequate vitamin D levels is important for achieving optimal sleep quality and reducing the frequency of waking during the night.

Several clinical trials have found that taking vitamin D supplements may help improve sleep quality, particularly among older people and pregnant women.

Vitamin D supplements can be taken in the morning or evening to improve sleep quality, depending on each person’s response to increased vitamin D intake. Those who find that taking a supplement in the evening disrupts their sleep can try taking it in the morning or afternoon instead.

Even so, vitamin D supplements are recommended consistently at the same time each day, if possible.

Vitamin D is fat-soluble, so supplements are best taken with foods containing healthy fats, such as eggs, avocados or salmon.

The use of vitamin D supplements should also be discussed with a health professional. Avoid taking high doses without a health professional’s recommendation.