Insomnia and Sunshine Vitamin
Gloomy Grey winter days seem endless and I for one definitely feel its effects some days.
Many people suffer from winter-blues or sadness during winter, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder. Interesting enough sleep-wake patterns are very much affected by our mood. There are numerous reasons for insomnia however feelings of sadness, lack of energy or stamina, moodiness, lowered immunity, muscle pain and sleeping irregularities are a few symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D is regularly absorbed through our skin when we are exposed to natural sunlight. A few hours of sunlight can result in 20,000 I.U. of vitamin D synthesis in our body. However, during fall and winter months especially in northern climates such as in Canada, we do not get enough sunlight and are more than likely to become deficient.
Since vitamin D is directly involved in calcium absorption, it may also be a factor in how the body regulates weight. Moreover, people who have a reduced capacity to mobilize vitamin D often weigh more and have more body fat than those with full capacity. In the past 20 years multiple studies have shown a correlation between higher blood levels of vitamin D and leaner body mass.
If you suffer from a few or all of the symptoms mentioned talk to your doctor about a simple blood test to measure your vitamin D levels and supplement with readily absorbable forms of this vitamin.
In order to maximize the benefits from this sunshine vitamin from preventing cancer, promoting healthy weight and boosting your mood an oral intake of up to 2000I.U. of vitamin D (cholecalciferol) supplement as well as 15 minutes of daily exposure to sunshine is recommended.
Wishing you good health