After iron, zinc is the most abundant mineral in the body. Zinc is essential for prostate function, bone growth, fertility, taste perception, cognitive functions, and wound healing, among other things. It is also very important for neurogenesis, and zinc is used in the hippocampus to store memories. Not long ago, researchers discovered that zinc also has a significant impact on sleep. You can read more about this later in this article.
Sleeping well is very important. First, we analyze the importance of sleep. Because although it is very important for everyone and we all do it daily, there is still a lot of confusion about sleep. Without sleeping, obviously we cannot survive, and sleep problems can cause medical issues. For example, if you don't sleep well, you have a higher risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, mental health problems, and concentration issues. This alone demonstrates the importance of sleeping well at night. While you sleep, you give your body the opportunity to rest both physically and mentally to be ready for a new day when you wake up. The problem, however, is that many people do not know how to sleep better. Scientists have now discovered that zinc, along with many other factors, also plays a role in this. That role is bigger and more important than expected.
What exactly is zinc?
Zinc, as mentioned, is a mineral. More specifically, it is a trace element, like chromium and iodine, for example. These are minerals that the body only needs in small amounts. Zinc participates in its metabolism, as part of enzymes. It is also used in the development of tissues and proteins. Zinc is partly responsible for healthy bones, healthy hair, and healthy skin. Memory, the immune system, and fertility also need zinc for their proper functioning.
How does zinc work and why does it help with sleep problems?
So, zinc is important for sleeping well, but what exactly is it about? In 2009, scientists discovered the connection during a study. Participants in the study with high percentages of zinc in their blood had a good sleep rhythm, unlike many other participants. Subsequent studies have also shown that a high concentration of zinc is important for sleeping well. Especially in children, zinc plays an important role, where it is important to note that children who have low levels of zinc in their blood at an early age often develop sleep problems later in life.
People with zinc deficiency and poor sleep rhythms have developed much better sleep patterns after zinc supplementation, demonstrating its effect.
Scientists suspect that certain signals in the brain are activated that help you fall asleep with a certain level of zinc. Additionally, healthy levels of zinc seem to stimulate the non-REM sleep phase. During this phase, you are not in deep sleep nor dreaming, but your body and mind have time to recover. Zinc does not directly cause you to fall asleep, but it does shorten the time it takes to fall asleep. Furthermore, a healthy concentration of zinc improves sleep quality.
Zinc and Sleeping Well
