Vitamin-Deficiency Insomnia? Deficient in Evidence

While examining some of the latest writings on the Internet related to sleep, I encountered an article that piqued my curiosity. It discussed one of the most common sleep ailments, insomnia, and suggested that a "vitamin deficiency" may represent an underlying cause. Though vitamin deficiencies may cause various neurological disorders, this is not a recognized cause of insomnia.

This article went on to recommend various alternative remedies for insomnia, including the consumption of vitamin-rich foods and even "a tablespoon of honey with milk". Although eating a balanced diet is important, and honey and milk may be comforting and tasty, it is unlikely that vitamin supplementation will cure a case of insomnia. In reviewing the medical literature, there is no scientific evidence supporting these claims.

Within this article there is also discussion of the importance of stress reduction, daily physical activity, and creating an environment that is conducive to sleep. These are part of the sleep hygiene guidelines, and may indeed improve sleep as part of behavioral modification. For those who suffer from insomnia, evidence-based treatments are available and should be sought from reputable medical practitioners.

Unfortunately "vitamin-deficiency insomnia" is not a recognized disorder and the use of vitamin supplementation to cure insomnia is likely little more than a waste of vitamins.