Morning sleepiness potentially linked to vitamin deficiency, according to medical professional
A deficiency in vitamins D, B12, iron, and ferritin can significantly impact chronic fatigue and sleep effectiveness, according to a report by RIA Novosti. These nutrient shortages can reduce the body's capacity to maintain restful, restorative sleep while inducing persistent fatigue and muscle weakness.
Vitamin D deficiency, for instance, is associated with persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest, making it difficult to feel refreshed even after adequate sleep. This fatigue can be especially pronounced in the morning. Vitamin D plays an important role in muscle function and calcium metabolism, and its deficiency can cause muscle weakness, pain, and overall reduced physical endurance. Additionally, low vitamin D levels are linked with trouble staying asleep and increased irritability.
Vitamin B12 deficiency contributes to fatigue and impaired nervous system function because B12 is essential for healthy nerve cells and the production of neurotransmitters. Its deficiency can disrupt neurotransmitter synthesis, including those regulating sleep, such as melatonin, leading to disturbed sleep quality. Malnutrition and vitamin B12 deficiency have been linked to impaired melatonin production and altered sleep patterns, exacerbating fatigue and daytime dysfunction.
Imbalances in iron and ferritin, often underpinning anemia, are strongly tied to sleep disturbances. Iron is critical for the synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate sleep and mood. Low iron levels may contribute to conditions like restless legs syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea, both disrupting sleep. Moreover, iron-deficiency anemia tends to produce fatigue but paradoxically leads to reduced sleep quantity and quality rather than excess sleep.
Chronic inflammation and malnutrition from these deficiencies can dysregulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, increasing cortisol levels and physiological arousal, which impair sleep initiation and maintenance. Inflammation also affects neurotransmitter balance, further degrading sleep architecture and exacerbating fatigue.
Dr. Olga Ulanchina, an expert from the "Gemotest" laboratory, emphasizes the importance of having blood tests done to identify potential deficiencies. She recommends undergoing a comprehensive examination to rule out pathologies related to vitamin and micronutrient deficiency. Sleep becomes ineffective for recovery due to these nutrient deficiencies, making it essential to address these issues promptly. Correcting these deficiencies can lead to notable improvements in energy levels, muscle function, and sleep quality, thereby reducing chronic fatigue symptoms.
Science indicates that deficiencies in vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, and ferritin can impact health-and-wellness aspects like sleep effectiveness and chronic fatigue. For example, vitamin D deficiency can cause persistent fatigue and muscle weakness, while vitamin B12 deficiency disrupts neurotransmitter synthesis, impacting sleep quality. Similarly, imbalances in iron and ferritin can lead to sleep disturbances and conditions like restless legs syndrome, contributing to reduced sleep quality and exacerbating feelings of fatigue.
