What vitamin helps you sleep?

Asked by: Dr. Gaetano Hintz MD  |  Last update: January 26, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (70 votes)

Vitamins and minerals that help with sleep include Vitamin D, which regulates the sleep cycle; B Vitamins (B6, B12) for melatonin and serotonin production; and Magnesium, which relaxes the body and helps produce melatonin. Other helpful nutrients are Calcium, which aids melatonin, and Vitamin C, linked to better sleep quality and duration, with deficiencies in these nutrients often linked to sleep issues like insomnia.

Which vitamin is best for sleeping?

Because of its connection to daylight, vitamin D may help regulate sleep timing and is thought to directly impact levels of melatonin, the sleep hormone. Vitamin D may also be involved in regulating other genes and substances that affect the sleep-wake cycle.

What are the best vitamins to help sleep?

They include (but are not limited to): Magnesium – supports brain function, helps regulate sleep and relaxes the body. Calcium – helps metabolise the amino acid tryptophan, which eases the body into sleep and helps prevent restlessness and wakefulness. B Vitamins – support brain function, sleep, and mood.

What vitamin am I lacking if I can't stay asleep?

Vitamin D, B12, and B6 deficiencies are strongly linked to sleeplessness and poor sleep quality, with low Vitamin D affecting sleep regulation, B12 impairing melatonin production, and B6 impacting serotonin, all crucial for sleep. A lack of these can lead to insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, and fatigue, with minerals like iron also playing a role through conditions like restless legs syndrome. 

What vitamin makes you sleep at night?

In contrast to this study, our results show that vitamin B complex, in combination with magnesium and melatonin, has a positive effect on sleep regulation and can be used to treat insomnia.

Always Waking Up at Night? - 1 TBSP Kills Cortisol FAST To Fall Back Asleep

36 related questions found

Which vitamin is best before sleep?

B Vitamins

Research has shown that maintaining sufficient levels of Vitamins B3, B5, B6, B9 and B12 may help achieve good sleep. The best food sources of vitamin B include whole grains, meat, eggs, seeds, and nuts, as well as dark leafy vegetables.

Why do I wake up after 3 hours of sleep?

Waking up after 3 hours of sleep can stem from normal sleep cycle shifts, but often points to issues like stress, poor sleep hygiene (caffeine/alcohol), anxiety/depression, sleep apnea, acid reflux, medications, low blood sugar, or even environmental factors, as the body transitions from deep sleep to lighter stages where disruptions are more noticeable. Addressing these potential causes, from lifestyle changes to medical conditions, can help you stay asleep longer. 

What to eat for deep sleep?

Melatonin, a hormone your body makes to help with your sleep cycle. It can also be found naturally in some foods. Good sources: tart cherries like Montmorency cherries, unsweetened tart cherry juice, eggs, milk, pistachios and almonds. Potassium and magnesium, nutrients that help promote muscle relaxation.

What deficiency causes bad sleep?

In conclusion, this meta-analysis demonstrates that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of sleep disorders in the population. Subgroup analyses further indicated that vitamin D < 20 ng/mL could increase the risk of sleep disorders.

What vitamins help with sleep and anxiety?

Magnesium, vitamin D, zinc, and B vitamins all play important roles in nervous system balance, mood, and healthy sleep patterns. Research links low levels of these nutrients with insomnia, restless sleep, low mood, and higher anxiety.

How can I improve my sleep naturally?

To sleep better naturally, establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a cool, dark, quiet bedroom, and develop relaxing bedtime rituals like warm baths or reading, while avoiding screens, caffeine, alcohol, large meals, and heavy exercise close to bedtime to signal your body it's time to wind down. Managing stress through journaling or meditation also promotes better sleep.
 

When to take B12 for sleep?

For optimal absorption, B12 is best taken in the morning—especially on an empty stomach. Avoid taking B12 too late in the day as it may interfere with sleep.

What drinks help you sleep fast?

To fall asleep faster, drink calming beverages like chamomile tea, warm milk, tart cherry juice (melatonin source), or valerian root tea, which contain soothing compounds or tryptophan to relax your body and mind; also consider almond milk, lavender tea, or passionflower tea, but avoid caffeine and sugary drinks.
 

What vitamins make you sleepy?

While this may be true to an extent, it's essential to note that taking too much of specific vitamins can cause fatigue. For example, vitamins B6 and B12 play a key role in energy metabolism. However, taking large doses of these vitamins can also cause fatigue and other symptoms such as headaches, diarrhea, and nausea.

Does magnesium help you sleep?

Yes, magnesium can help with sleep by promoting relaxation, reducing muscle tension, regulating neurotransmitters like GABA, and supporting melatonin production, making it easier to fall asleep and improve sleep quality, especially if you have a deficiency, but research is mixed and it's not a fast-acting sedative. It's often suggested for mild issues like stress-related sleeplessness or restless legs syndrome, but larger studies are needed for definitive proof. 

What fruit is high in melatonin?

Tart cherries.

Their high level of dietary melatonin makes these sleep-friendly. In addition, tart cherries are high in antioxidants and their anti-inflammatory characteristics can help improve the quality of your sleep.

What foods make you very sleepy?

Certain fruits, nuts, and grains naturally contain melatonin, including tart cherries and cherry juice, tomatoes, walnuts, and milk. Eating these foods, especially in larger portions or alongside a carb-heavy meal, may lead to feelings drowsiness by increasing circulating melatonin levels in the body.

What are signs of poor sleep quality?

Symptoms

  • Having a hard time falling asleep at night.
  • Waking up during the night.
  • Waking up too early.
  • Feeling tired or sleepy during the day.
  • Feeling cranky, depressed or anxious.
  • Having a hard time paying attention, focusing on tasks or remembering.
  • Making more errors or having more accidents.

What hormone wakes you up at 3am?

The primary hormone linked to waking up at 3 a.m. is cortisol, the stress hormone, which naturally begins to rise in the early morning to promote alertness as part of your body's internal clock (circadian rhythm). While this rise is normal, high stress, anxiety, or underlying conditions can make this surge too strong or early, causing you to wake up when you shouldn't, disrupting sleep. Other factors like low blood sugar or hormonal shifts (e.g., menopause) can also contribute. 

What are signs of poor core sleep?

Signs You're Not Getting Enough Core Sleep

  • Morning Fatigue Despite Adequate Sleep Hours.
  • Afternoon Energy Crashes.
  • Difficulty Concentrating or Brain Fog.
  • Mood Swings and Increased Irritability.
  • Increased Appetite and Sugar Cravings.
  • Frequent Illness and Slow Recovery.
  • Physical Tension and Slow Muscle Recovery.

What foods should I avoid if I have insomnia?

Stimulants like caffeine, high-sugar snacks, or heavy meals before bedtime can disrupt your natural sleep cycle, while certain nutrient-rich foods can support melatonin production and regulate your circadian rhythm.

What vitamin am I lacking if I can't sleep at night?

Vitamin D, B12, and B6 deficiencies are strongly linked to sleeplessness and poor sleep quality, with low Vitamin D affecting sleep regulation, B12 impairing melatonin production, and B6 impacting serotonin, all crucial for sleep. A lack of these can lead to insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, and fatigue, with minerals like iron also playing a role through conditions like restless legs syndrome. 

What vitamins should not be taken at bedtime?

You should avoid B vitamins (especially B12, B6), Vitamin D, Calcium, and multivitamins before bed because they can boost energy, affect melatonin, or cause digestive issues, disrupting sleep. Energy-boosting ingredients in some multis like caffeine, green tea extract, or ginseng should also be avoided. 

Which multivitamin is good for sleep?

Vitamin B

Among these, some B vitamins, including B3, B5, B6, B9, & B12, play a significant role in managing the release of tryptophan, which is necessary for producing melatonin. For those who do not know, the melatonin hormone helps promote sleep so you can wake up refreshed in the morning.