Some research indicates that higher amounts of vitamin B12 link to shorter sleep duration and a higher risk of insomnia.
Due to its special role, vitamin B12 aids in the prevention of anemia, which mostly leads to fatigue. Even though the research available about the relationship between vitamin B12 and insomnia remains unclear, some studies² show that elevated levels of vitamin B12 do cause sleeplessness.
You can definitely opt for taking vitamin B12 supplements at night if that's what works best for you, although the natural energy-boosting abilities of vitamin B12 might be put to better use as you're starting the day.
Vitamins B
As our metabolism is boosted by B vitamins, this can have a stimulating effect and cause sleep problems if taken late at night. Fortunately, because B vitamins are water soluble, they can be taken without food at any time of the day.
There is no specific time of day recommended when you should take vitamin B-12 supplements, as there is no clinical evidence demonstrating a significant difference between taking vitamin B-12 in the morning or at night.
Some research indicates that higher amounts of vitamin B12 link to shorter sleep duration and a higher risk of insomnia. A 2007 study suggests it may also affect the 24-hour biological processes that help a person go from wakefulness through drowsiness to sleep.
Vitamin C and B12
According to Dr. Airey, some studies have shown that Vitamin C could break down Vitamin B12 in your digestive tract, reducing your B12 absorption. As a result, he says you want to wait at least two hours before taking Vitamin C with your Vitamin B12.
B vitamins before bed can be very activating to the brain and nervous system, and can make it very hard for you to fall asleep, or stay asleep.
Safety and side effects
High doses of vitamin B-12, such as those used to treat a deficiency, might cause: Headache. Nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea.
Specifically, vitamin D deficiency (VDD) can increase risk of sleep disorders and is associated with sleep difficulties, shorter sleep duration, and nocturnal awakenings in children and adults [13,14,15].
Vitamin B12 is considered an important brain and nervous system micronutrient and is often used for anxiety. It helps to ensure normal function for your nerves, which can help combat physical symptoms of anxiety.
It may take a few weeks before your vitamin B12 levels and symptoms (such as extreme tiredness or lack of energy) start to improve. If you have hydroxocobalamin injections to boost your vitamin B12 levels at the start of treatment, the cyanocobalamin tablets may start to work within a few days.
Magnesium is perhaps the most important vitamin or mineral when it comes to sleep. It plays a key role in the bodily function that regulates sleep and studies have shown that sleep suffers without optimal vitamin intake.
B Complex Vitamins
I would discourage people from taking a B complex and instead get it from food sources. Especially since taking one before bed can keep you awake.
B12 injections may contribute to low potassium levels in your body. Though rare, this reaction can cause muscle cramping, extreme fatigue, and an irregular heartbeat.
First, one of the most common and most debilitating symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency is extreme fatigue, 'tired all the time' and in some patients also insomnia. If a patient's mood is low at the same time, this can easily be interpreted as depression. Vitamin B12 deficiency is then easily missed.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can have distressing neuropsychiatric symptoms. It can have an etiological role in clinical presentations like depression, anxiety, psychosis, dementia, and delirium, requiring screening of at-risk populations.
In some people, high levels of B12 may cause gastrointestinal problems such as bloating and diarrhea. And if you have high blood pressure or poor cardiovascular health, having too much B12 may further complicate these issues. Pregnant and breastfeeding women may also need to be especially mindful of B12 levels.
B12 supplements are usually safe. For adults, doctors recommend 2.4 micrograms a day. If you take more than what you need, your body passes the rest out through your pee. Still, high doses could have some side effects, like dizziness, headache, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting.
B Complex
B vitamins tend to boost energy, so take them in the morning; at night, they can lead to restlessness and insomnia. They're best absorbed on an empty stomach, but if you have a sensitive tummy, take them with a little food.
The best time to take B vitamins is after you wake up. There are also some data suggesting that taking vitamin B in the afternoon can affect your sleep. To avoid a B-complex affecting your sleep, you should take your B vitamins in the morning, preferably with a meal to maximize their absorption.
When it comes to getting more sleep, magnesium provided an extra 15 minutes of sleep. Research on melatonin has found it provides 21 minutes more sleep than taking a placebo pill. Looking at the sum total – literally – there isn't too much difference between taking melatonin or magnesium.
As summarized in the table provided, vitamin B12 (cobalamin) absorption and utilization by the body can be compromised with the chronic use of certain medications which include: colchicine, chloramphenicol, ethanol, histamine 2 receptor antagonists (H2RA), metformin, and proton pump inhibitors (PPI).
Interactions between your drugs. No interactions were found between Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D3. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.