7 essential minerals & vitamins for sleep

             Written by: Mantasha

If you’re tossing and turning at night, your body might be missing some key nutrients. Certain vitamins and minerals play a major role in calming the nervous system and supporting healthy sleep cycles.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Here are seven essential ones that can naturally improve your sleep quality:

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Known as nature’s relaxant, magnesium helps calm the brain and muscles. It also supports the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. You can get it from almonds, spinach, pumpkin seeds, and bananas.

Magnesium

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to poor sleep. Spending some time in sunlight daily or eating foods like mushrooms, fortified milk, and eggs can help improve your vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

This vitamin supports serotonin production, which is needed for melatonin synthesis. Include foods like bananas, chickpeas, and whole grains in your diet.

Vitamin B6

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Low iron can cause restlessness and insomnia. Boost your intake with foods like lentils, tofu, and spinach.

 Iron

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Potassium works with magnesium to relax muscles and nerves. You’ll find it in sweet potatoes, avocados, and coconut water.

Potassium

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Zinc helps regulate sleep duration and quality. It’s found in cashews, pumpkin seeds, and legumes.

Zinc

Photo Credit: Shutterstock