Evidence supporting the use of: Iron
For the health condition: Sleep (restless and disturbed)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Iron is scientifically recognized as a potentially important factor in sleep health, particularly in the context of restless and disturbed sleep associated with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD). Several studies have demonstrated that iron deficiency—especially low brain iron—is linked to an increased risk and severity of RLS, a condition known to disrupt sleep due to uncomfortable urges to move the legs, especially at night. RLS is frequently found in individuals with iron deficiency, and supplementation with oral or intravenous iron has been shown in randomized controlled trials to improve symptoms and, by extension, sleep quality in patients with documented iron deficiency. The mechanism is thought to relate to iron's role in dopamine metabolism and neurotransmitter function in the central nervous system. However, for the broader population without RLS or clear iron deficiency, the evidence that iron supplementation improves sleep quality is limited. Routine use of iron to treat general sleep disturbances is not broadly supported and may carry risks if not medically indicated. Thus, iron should only be used to support sleep in individuals with medically diagnosed iron deficiency or related movement disorders, and under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

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