Vishnupriya
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a range of health conditions and lack of this ‘sunshine vitamin’ can affect several aspects of your health. From muscle and bone health, skin and hair issues, to mood disorders, insufficient intake of Vitamin D can impact physical as well as mental health. A new study has demonstrated that Vitamin D deficiency not only affects your day-to-day activities but also the way you sleep.
A study published in the Sleep Medicine journal finds that Vitamin D deficiency is linked to poor sleep quality and duration, and it affects roughly 35% of Americans.
The study especially suggests a strong link between Vitamin D and sleep quality in conditions like Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Studies show that lower Vitamin D levels are associated with worse OSA symptoms, though it’s unclear whether Vitamin D deficiency contributes to OSA or vice versa.
The role of Vitamin D supplementation in sleep quality
There is also evidence that Vitamin D supplementation may improve sleep quality. While research on children and adolescents is limited, similar connections have been observed.
According to a study published in Current Pharmaceutical Design, Vitamin D has both a direct and an indirect role in the regulation of sleep. Although vitamin D deficiency has been linked with sleep disorders, there is still isn’t enough evidence to concretely support the role of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention or treatment of sleep disturbances.
A study published in the journal Nutrients demonstrates that Vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of sleep disorders and is associated with sleep difficulties, shorter sleep duration, and nocturnal awakenings in children and adults.
Frequent awakenings
The new research has found that lacking vitamin D can lead to reduced sleep quality and people are more likely to keep waking up at night.
Impact of Vitamin D on sleep quality and duration
The study finds maintaining an appropriate Vitamin D level was crucial for promoting uninterrupted sleep and decreasing the number of nocturnal awakenings.
The study concludes that the current evidence strongly links Vitamin D levels to sleep quality and disorders like OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) in both adults and children, though the exact relationship remains unclear. It is still unknown whether Vitamin D deficiency leads to OSA or if OSA causes Vitamin D depletion. Further research is needed to explore these connections.
Sources of Vitamin D
It is important to maintain adequate levels in your body to prevent worrying health conditions including sleep disorders. Supplementation with Vitamin D can help improve sleep quality and duration.
Good sources of vitamin D include fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, egg yolks, and sun-exposed mushrooms. Fortified foods such as dairy, plant-based milk, and cereals also provide vitamin D. Sunlight remains the best natural source, while supplements can help if dietary intake is insufficient.
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