Vitamin D: Sleep Assistant, Immune System & COVID Protector
Optimal Vitamin D levels = Optimal Sleep, Optimal Gut Microbiome, and Optimal Immune System Function
There is an epidemic of Vitamin D deficiency in the world that is the result of living indoors, wearing sunscreen, and not spending enough time outdoors. People in areas like the Pacific Northwest are even more notorious for having vitamin D deficiencies.
Vitamin D is a hormone produced by our skin and its production is catalyzed by UVB light. It is the most important nutrient to feed all of our gut bacteria, who in turn is fed a full meal, produces all 8 B vitamins that our body needs for optimal function and sleep. B levels are what controls the "rest and digest” side of our nervous system.
If we are D-deficient, then we are B-deficient, and in turn, we are then in a constant state of “fight or flight.” Because of this, your body is unable to revert back to an optimal state of "rest and digest" where it can do the work it needs to keep your system functioning at a healthy level.
Vitamin D levels not only have a direct effect on your body's physical state while awake but also while asleep. Healthy sleep and daytime function is part of the rest and digest control switch. Humans are meant to be at rest and digest 99+% of the day and really only when there is danger should we be thrust into fight or flight.
Sleep is the time to replenish and restore our body’s supplies. It is the time that our hormones are produced, memories are formed, metabolism takes place, cells and organs are cleaned up, etc. It is the time that the immune system is bolstered and repaired. Fractured, interrupted, and poor sleep quality thus plays a huge role in compromising our immune system, increases susceptibility to infections, and increases the time to recover from illness.
Symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency range from chronic pain, disrupted sleep, respiratory issues, hypertension, depression, ADHD, asthma, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, muscle cramps, failure to thrive in children, delayed motor skills or milestones, easily fatigued, and many more.
So...protect your sleep, protect your immune system, protect yourself by ensuring that you are not vitamin D-deficient. Every person needs a unique dose of vitamin D and they need it daily!! To have your vitamin D levels checked and ensure you have the proper level of vitamin D, reach out for an evaluation!
Keep an eye out for our upcoming blog on Vitamin D and its vital role in protecting against things like the common cold, flu, and Coronavirus (COVID-19).