Seleniumis a trace mineral, which means the body only needs small amounts of it.
Its thought to act as an antioxidant that can help regulate metabolism and the synthesis of hormones.
This mineral is naturally found in everyday foods and soil.
Photo Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health; Getty Images.
While selenium is an essential nutrient, not much research has proven its association with sleep quality.
But the average intake was still associated with the ideal sleep durationbetween seven and nine hours per night.
For people who had a high BMI though, high selenium consumption seemed even more favorable for their sleep.
They were just making it into the adequate intake category, St-Onge told Verywell.
I think this study really should say: You shouldnt be deficient in selenium.
Selenium deficiency is very rare in the United States since North American soil is generally rich in selenium.
Severe selenium deficiency could lead to certain illnesses such as Kashin-Beck disease, a form ofosteoarthritis.
The recommended amount of daily selenium intake is 55 mcg for U.S. adults.
People who are pregnant and lactating need about 60 and 70 mcg daily, respectively.
Many Americans can meet this standard by eating whole grains, protein foods, and a variety of vegetables.
Should You Take Any Selenium Supplements?
However, these findings dont mean that you should use selenium supplements as a sleep aid.
Severe cases of selenium poisoning may lead to kidney failure and death.
We dont yet know.
Most U.S. adults can get enough selenium through their regular diet.
Data from a nationally representative sample.Appetite.
