Posted by Fatima Khalil
Friday, March 24, 2023 07:00 AM
Iron deficiency or anemia is a disorder in which the blood does not contain enough iron Red blood cells The healthy body tissues require to receive oxygen, and your body needs iron to produce enough of one of the components of red blood cells that allows them to carry oxygen (hemoglobin). Therefore, iron deficiency may make you feel lethargic and short of breath, your body becomes unable to produce sleep hormones without iron , according to Health.
Iron deficiency can lead to sleep problems
Any fluctuations in hormones or nutrient deficiencies can cause disturbances and sleep disturbances, including insomnia.
Iron deficiency can cause periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), which is a type of sleep disorder.
Sleep problems and anemia
In limb movement disorder, patients tend to experience leg pain in the evening and at night that occurs during sleep and causes sleep problems.
This leg pain is related to the circadian rhythm, the pain begins only in the evening and at night, but the patient feels relief during the day.
People with iron deficiency may not be able to sleep either due to limb movement disorder or insomnia.
Insomnia leads to an inability to sleep or maintain it. Sometimes, people with insomnia may experience early morning awakenings, in which case they are unable to fall back asleep following waking up.
Brain hypoxic pathways are activated in limb movement disorder patients.
Overall, the existing data point to a pathophysiology involving decreased iron acquisition by cells in the brain.
How to treat sleep problems and deal with iron deficiency?
If you develop any symptoms, here are some things you should keep in mind to fix your sleep problems:
Fix your sleeping and waking time
Eat iron-rich foods like meat, eggs, leafy green vegetables, etc.
Avoid caffeinated drinks, especially following six in the evening
Avoid nicotine intake
Include foods rich in vitamin D such as citrus fruits, broccoli, tomatoes and watermelon
Exercise regularly to keep fit
Avoid eating heavy dinners and late at night
The sleeping environment should be calm and pleasant
Avoid exposure to blue light from cell phones, televisions, and laptops at least 2-3 hours before bedtime.
Iron deficiency in the body can lead to many problems, including sleep problems. It can disrupt your sleep cycle and lead to problems like periodic limb movement disorder and insomnia. Many people tend to overlook the signs of iron deficiency or anemia, but it is essential to keep the level under control. You can keep anemia at bay by making some simple lifestyle changes that can be effective in not only treating the deficiency but also in improving your sleep cycle.
