Are you having trouble sleeping? Is it affecting your work and life? If you have been noticing that you sweat at night, toss and turn, or wake up tired and grumpy, it’s time to rule out a serious problem of ferritin deficiency.
What is ferritin, you may ask? Ferritin is a protein in the blood that stores iron and carries oxygen around the body.
Not having enough ferritin can lead to various side effects including trouble sleeping. In this guide, we will show you how low ferritin and sleep problems in adults go hand in hand. Keep reading to learn more.
Why Low Ferritin Levels Can Lead to Sleep Challenges
Low ferritin levels can have a big effect on our sleep. When our bodies don’t get enough iron, it can cause us to become anemic. Anemia can present itself with symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating and a decreased ability to absorb oxygen.
As a result, it can be hard to get a good, restful sleep. Additionally, without ferritin, our bodies may be unable to produce sleep-signaling hormones like melatonin, which can further complicate sleep issues.
It can also cause our R.E.M. sleep to be disrupted, leading to a less restorative sleep. Luckily, low ferritin levels can be addressed with supplementation and dietary changes.
Diet Strategies for Increasing Ferritin and Improving Sleep
In order to increase ferritin levels and get better sleep, diet strategies should start with ensuring enough iron is consumed, as it is a building block for ferritin. Including foods high in iron such as dark, leafy greens, red meat, legumes, lentils, pumpkin and squash seeds, quinoa, and fortified foods, is a good start to increasing ferritin.
Incorporating animal-based foods as well as plant-based foods will increase the likelihood of getting all the vitamins and minerals needed for efficient iron absorption.
Additionally, eating foods that are high in Vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and bell peppers, will help aid in absorption. Eating a balanced diet high in these iron-rich foods, vitamins, and minerals is key to increasing ferritin and improving sleep.
The Role of Insomnia Coach and Program in Addressing Sleep Issues
Insomnia coach and program is an evidence-based approach to helping people address their sleep-related issues. It combines both cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle recommendations to help individuals improve their sleep.
An insomnia coach would develop individualized sleep plans for their clients that could include creating a relaxing bedtime routine, maintaining regular sleeping hours, avoiding midnight snacks, and managing stress.
In addition, the coach may also utilize cognitive and behavioral therapy to learn how to identify and change the thoughts and behaviors that are detrimentally impacting sleep.
The program also offers additional information to help the person address the underlying cause of their insomnia. Together, this comprehensive approach helps individuals develop sound sleep habits and practices that will help them to gain better restful sleep.
All About Low Ferritin and Sleep Problems in Adults
Low ferritin and sleep problems in adults can have serious impacts on overall health and well-being. For adults experiencing sleep problems, it’s important to get tests done to check for low ferritin. If that is the issue, there are a variety of diet and lifestyle changes that can help.
For more specific advice or to get tested for low ferritin, it’s always best to consult a physician.
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