Optimal Health Medical Blog

The Blog of Dr. Henry Sobo

Could Zinc Help You Sleep?

zincZinc is a powerful mineral found naturally in our bodies. It helps to balance hormones, build up new cells, and is an integral building block for many of our body’s processes. It works to metabolize food and plays a part in cell division. One overlooked function is nervous system suppression. Could zinc help you sleep by calming your nerves and regulating your mood? Let’s take a look.

Will Zinc Really Help Me Sleep?

By itself, it won’t necessarily help you fall asleep. Once you are asleep, though, it can help you fall into deeper, more restful sleep cycles. Zinc works in our nervous system to suppress it. It lowers feelings of anxiety and can relieve symptoms of depression. Going to bed more relaxed will naturally allow you a better night’s sleep.

Zinc is also important in the production of melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone that regulates your natural sleep cycles. Taking in the right amount daily helps you produce adequate levels of melatonin to keep your internal clock set to the correct rhythms.

How Do I Know if my Levels Are Low?

Signs of zinc depletion can include impaired sense of taste or smell, wounds that will not heal, decreased appetite, hair loss, and having trouble staying asleep at night. There are many signals your body gives you that point to needing more in your diet.

How Do I Get More?

Zinc supplements can be found online or in stores. If you prefer getting more through food, choose proteins like dark meat chicken and beef or plant-based sources like beans and seeds. It’s easy to add more to your daily diet without going too far out of your comfort zone.

You do need to be aware of your current zinc levels before you start a supplement regimen. You can have too much in your diet, and this can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and deficiencies in other minerals your body needs like copper and iron.

If you’d like to explore whether this could help you sleep, call (203) 348-8805 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Henry Sobo, MD at Optimal Health Medical office in Stamford, Connecticut. He’ll review your sleep symptoms, diet, and current intake to work with you and decide if more zinc is right for you.