Effects of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) and a B Complex Preparation on Dreaming and Sleep

Abstract

Anecdotal evidence indicates that supplementation with vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) before bed can enhance dream vividness and recall. In a single pilot study, Ebben, Lequerica, and Spielman (2002) found that vitamin B6 had a dose-dependent effect of increasing scores on a composite measure of dream vividness, bizarreness, emotionality, and color. The present research replicated this study using a larger and more diverse sample of 100 participants from across Australia. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects on dreaming and sleep of ingesting 240 mg vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride) before bed for five consecutive days. We also included an exploratory condition involving a B complex preparation containing a range of B vitamins. We found that vitamin B6 significantly increased the amount of dream content participants recalled but did not significantly affect dream vividness, bizarreness, or color, nor did it significantly affect other sleep-related variables. In contrast, participants in the B complex group showed significantly lower self-rated sleep quality and significantly higher tiredness on waking. We discuss the potential for using vitamin B6 in research on lucid dreaming.

Editor's Note

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health (as promulgated by PubMed), very high doses of vitamin B6 of 1000 mg/day have been associated with neuropathy, and there have been occasional reports of toxicity at 100-300 mg/day. B6 dosages obtained naturally through foods are needed and beneficial, and this study's use of a pyridoxine hydrochloride dose of 240 mg translates to a typical B6 dose of less than 200 mg/ day and was limited to five days. Use of a B6 supplement at any higher level or on a more prolonged basis is not recommended outside of an approved research study or without close physician oversight.