Sleep Deprived or Just B-12 Deficient?

April 9, 2026

Writer: Sophie Gingold

Editor: Maya Stone

Many college students, including myself, struggle to feel well-rested. Long days of studying, classes, and clubs can feel never-ending, another reason why sleep is so important. Why is it that even after 8+ hours of sleep each night, it’s still so common to feel exhausted during the day? Although stress and poor sleep can cause constant fatigue, after some brief research, I realized that a lack of sleep might not be the problem. One of the underlying causes of persistent fatigue is a B-12 deficiency. 

B-12 is a vitamin found in many animal-based foods, such as meat, eggs, fish, and dairy products. Our bodies need B-12 in order to produce healthy red blood cells and support brain function (Taylor). Although a lack of B-12 in your diet could be one cause of deficiency, even people who eat enough B-12 foods could still have a deficiency. This can be caused by stomach issues or anemia, which reduces B-12 absorption. Some common symptoms of a deficiency include mood changes, ongoing fatigue or weakness, and trouble concentrating (Taylor). 

Let’s be real. In college, the driving force of many people’s eating habits is convenience–dining hall food, food deliveries, and eating out. People aren’t necessarily making sure they are getting in their daily source of B-12. As personal health is not always the primary concern of the fast-paced life of a college student, vitamin deficiencies, including a B-12 deficiency, can become common. If this statement resonates with you, you’re not alone, and I’m here to educate you.

Adults need around 2.4 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B12 a day. If you are vegan or vegetarian, it may be important to consult with your doctor about getting supplements, as another common symptom of B-12 deficiency is anemia (Cleveland Clinic). Often, when people can’t sleep at night, they take melatonin. However, if you actually have a B-12 deficiency, melatonin may suppress some of the symptoms, but it will not help fix the root issue. Melatonin is a key hormone in regulating the sleep cycle, and B-12 deficiencies can cause sleep disturbances by reducing melatonin production (Wang). If these issues feel relatable and if you still feel exhausted during the day after a full night of sleep, consider getting tested for a B-12 deficiency. 

It’s extremely important to detect early on if you have a B-12 deficiency, as you have the power to improve your everyday life. Researchers from the University of Michigan School of Public Health found that “students deficient in vitamin B12 were at 2.4 times greater risk of repeating a grade, and had 1.9 times more absences than those who were not deficient” (Thomas). While this study was performed on elementary school students, the symptoms themselves translate to academic performance in general. There are many conversations I find myself in with friends, noting that I’m tired, I can’t focus well, and my studying feels unproductive. A friend always agrees. Detecting a B-12 deficiency and taking on supplements or an injection can transform your sluggish, long days of fatigue and give you the energy you need to get back into a productive lifestyle.