Posts Tagged ‘fall asleep’
Women in the pre-menopause and menopause years are more and more finding themselves experiencing symptoms of chronic insomnia, hot flashes, night sweats, migraine headaches, anxiety, fatigue and depression. Uzzi Reiss, M.D., author of Natural Hormone Balance for Women, says: “Some of the above reactions occur nearly simultaneously whenever the level of estrogen falls.”
Hormone drugs, nutritional remedies, and lifestyle changes are some of the options available to women. Consumer Affairs.com reports that while 70 percent of women entering menopause will have some symptoms, most symptoms can be managed with healthy lifestyle improvements. In their recent report, they do not recommend hormone drugs for women who have an elevated risk of heart disease, stroke or cancer – which is 35 to 50 percent of all women 50 and older.
As menopause approaches, another emerging link between estrogen decline and its symptoms is the aspect of mineral deficiency. Mildred Seeling, M.D. describes this in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. She says “Estrogen enhances magnesium utilization and uptake by soft tissues and bone, and may explain the resistance of young women to heart disease and osteoporosis — as well as the increased prevalence of these diseases when estrogen production ceases.”
Magnesium works best when it’s balanced with calcium. The pioneering nutritionist Adelle Davis writes of mineral deficiency during menopause in her book “Let’s Get Well.” Davis says: “Calcium is less well absorbed and the urinary losses are greater when the output of estrogen decreases. Such calcium-deficiency symptoms as nervousness, irritability, insomnia, and headaches are common.”
Chronic insomnia is one of the main symptoms of magnesium deficiency. Sleep in magnesium deficiency is usually agitated with frequent nighttime awakenings. On the other hand, a high magnesium diet has been found to be associated with deeper, less interrupted sleep. This was shown in a study done by James Penland at the Human Nutrition Research Center in North Dakota.
Regarding the use of a sleep remedy for the relief of insomnia and other menopause symptoms, certain formulas may be more effective than others. The combination of minerals included and the presence of vitamin cofactors (such as vitamin D) in the product are key. Formulas should contain a 2 to 1 ratio of calcium to magnesium (twice as much calcium as magnesium). The original research on this recommended ratio appeared in 1935 in the Journal of Physiological Reviews. In addition, a softgel form is more digestible than tablets or capsules. Softgels formulated with carrier oils such as rice bran oil have been shown to increase mineral absorption and provide other health benefits such as lowering cholesterol.
Natural insomnia remedies for sleep, such as Sleep Minerals II from Nutrition Breakthroughs are gaining popularity with menopausal women. Sleep Minerals II contains absorbable forms of calcium, magnesium and vitamin D, all combined in a softgel with carrier oils. Adelle Davis says: “During the menopause… high amounts of calcium should be obtained and every step be taken to insure its absorption into the blood. When these precautions are taken and the diet is adequate in other respects, the woman at menopause usually loses her irritability, hot flashes, night sweats, leg cramps, insomnia, and mental depression.”
Valerie H. of Santa Clarita, California says: “I had such severe menopause insomnia that it took me hours to fall asleep even though I was extremely tired. My legs also had crawling and tingling feelings at night. I got the Sleep Minerals and after about a week, it started to work really well. I fall asleep now within 20 minutes and no more restless legs.”
Consumer Reports advises that hormone drugs can increase the risk of heart disease, breast cancer, blood clots and stroke. An increasing number of women are turning to non-pharmaceutical remedies for insomnia. Highly absorbable forms of natural minerals can be a soothing alternative.
For more information on Sleep Minerals II, visit here.
One natural remedy for hot flashes has been making headlines lately. Mayo Clinic breast health specialist Sandhya Pruthi, M.D., conducted a study on flaxseed for relief of hot flashes. The 29 participants in Mayo’s clinical trial were women with hot flashes who did not want to take estrogen because of increased risk of breast cancer.
The study gave them six weeks of flaxseed therapy, consisting of 40 grams (one and a half ounces) of crushed flaxseed eaten daily. The result was that the frequency of hot flashes decreased fifty percent. Participants also reported improvements in mood, joint or muscle pain, chills, and sweating. This was a significant improvement in their health and quality of life. Dr. Pruthi said: “We hope to find more effective nonhormonal options to assist women, and flaxseed looks promising.”
This article is provided to you by http://www.NutritionBreakthroughs.com, maker of the effective natural insomnia remedy and hot flash remedy Sleep Minerals II. This sleep aid contains highly absorbable forms of the best minerals for sleep and relaxation: Calcium and magnesium, with Vitamin D. The ingredients are delivered in a softgel form with healthy carrier oils, making them more easily assimilated than capsules or tablets and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.
Anita L. of New Caney, Texas says: “I was having hot flashes every 30 minutes to an hour through the night and was so miserable. After about two weeks of taking the Sleep Minerals, I noticed an incredible difference with my sleep. I have much less interruption from flashes, I’m sleeping much better, and I’m a lot more comfortable.”
For more information on Sleep Minerals II visit http://www.nutritionbreakthroughs.com/html/sleep_remedy_for_insomnia_help.html
According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), almost six out of ten Americans report having insomnia and sleep problems at least a few nights a week. Insomnia is defined as “An inability to fall asleep or remain asleep long enough to feel rested, especially when the problem continues over time.” In an effort to combat this, as many as 25 percent of the people in the United States use medications to help them sleep.
Most sleeping pills, especially when taken over long periods of time, can have multiple side effects. The drugs stay in the bloodstream, give a hangover effect the next day and beyond, tend to be addictive, and can increase the risk of car and work accidents. They also impair memory and performance on the job and at home.
From a nutritional perspective, several research studies have shown certain minerals to be effective natural insomnia remedies that help people fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. James F. Balch, M.D., author of Prescription for Nutritional Healing, writes: “A lack of the nutrients calcium and magnesium will cause you to wake up after a few hours and not be able to return to sleep.”
Calcium is directly related to our cycles of sleep. In one study, published in the European Neurology Journal, researchers found that calcium levels in the body are higher during some of the deepest levels of sleep, such as the rapid eye movement (REM) phase. The study concluded that disturbances in sleep, especially the absence of REM deep sleep or disturbed REM sleep, are related to a calcium deficiency. Restoration to the normal course of sleep was achieved following the normalization of the blood calcium level.
William Sears, M.D. writes: “Calcium helps the brain use the amino acid tryptophan to manufacture the sleep-inducing substance melatonin. This explains why dairy products, which contain both tryptophan and calcium, are one of the top sleep-inducing foods.”
In magnesium deficiency, chronic insomnia is one of the main, central symptoms. Sleep is usually agitated with frequent nighttime awakenings. On the other hand, a high magnesium, low aluminum diet has been found to be associated with deeper, less interrupted sleep. This was proven in a study done by James Penland at the Human Nutrition Research Center in North Dakota. The study was titled “Effects of trace element nutrition on sleep patterns in adult women.” It’s important to note that a balanced ratio of calcium and magnesium is important to overall health, and these two minerals should be taken together for best results.
Jobee Knight, a nutritional researcher and founder of Nutrition Breakthroughs in Glendale, CA., is someone who fought her own battle against sleeplessness and insomnia. She decided to put her background to use by searching out effective natural ingredients for relaxation and deeper sleep. The result was Sleep Minerals II, which contains highly absorbable forms of the best minerals for sleep and relaxation: Calcium and magnesium, with Vitamin D. The ingredients are delivered in a softgel form with healthy carrier oils, making them more easily assimilated than capsules or tablets and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.
Doctor P. P. of Houston, Texas says: “I had developed sleeping problems and took two different sleeping medications over the course of several weeks. When I discontinued them the insomnia came back even worse. I literally got about 20 hours of sleep in 6 weeks time. Sleep Minerals II was just what I needed. I’ve been taking it for a couple weeks and getting many hours of sleep a night. As a doctor I would definitely avoid prescribing sleeping drugs — I would recommend Sleep Minerals II.”
For more information on Sleep Minerals II see this page.
The “Sleep in America” poll results that were recently released from the National Sleep Foundation found that more than half of all Americans (60%) said they experienced a sleep problem every night or almost every night. This ranges from snoring, waking in the night, waking up too early, or feeling un-refreshed when getting up in the morning. This overall increase in insomnia has been bringing people to their doctors, to stores, and to the Internet for solutions that may help them sleep better.
While most people would prefer to take a natural, non-addictive remedy without dangerous side-effects, there is a scarcity of effective natural options, as well as a lack of education and information available to people outside of their doctor’s office. Often medical doctors recommend drugs, but surprisingly, not always the usual sleep medicines.
A ten-year study to discover which drugs are used to treat insomnia was published in the journal “Sleep”. It found that from 1987 to 1996, prescriptions for sleeping drugs have decreased by 53.7%, but that antidepressant drugs prescribed for insomnia increased by a surprising 146%. Examples of antidepressants that might be prescribed for insomnia are trazodone and amitriptyline. According to Health.com, the side effects of these medicines may include sexual dysfunction, weight gain, dry mouth and throat, racing pulse, confusion, disturbed dreams, and an increased risk of suicide.
The authors of the study from the journal “Sleep” said: “Surveys indicate a stable or increasing prevalence of sleep disturbance. There has also been a dramatic shift to use of antidepressants in lieu of sleeping drugs (hyponotics) for the symptomatic treatment of insomnia, despite a paucity (lack) of data regarding their efficacy and the potential for serious side effects.”
Regarding the nutritional approach to the problem of insomnia, Carl C. Pfeiffer, M.D., Ph.D., known for his work in orthomolecular (nutritional) medicine, says, “We have found that if a drug can be found to do the job of medical healing, a nutrient can be found to do the same job.”
Several research studies have shown certain minerals to be an effective natural insomnia remedy that helps people fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. Calcium is directly related to our cycles of sleep. In one study, published in the European Neurology Journal, researchers found that calcium levels in the body are higher during some of the deepest levels of sleep, such as the rapid eye movement (REM) phase. The study concluded that disturbances in sleep, especially the absence of REM deep sleep or disturbed REM sleep, are related to a calcium deficiency.
Chronic insomnia is one of the main, central symptoms of magnesium deficiency. Sleep is usually agitated with frequent nighttime awakenings. On the other hand, a high magnesium diet has been found to be associated with deeper, less interrupted sleep. This was shown in a study done by James Penland at the Human Nutrition Research Center in North Dakota. The study was titled “Effects of trace element nutrition on sleep patterns in adult women.” It’s important to note that a balanced ratio of twice as much calcium to magnesium is key to overall health, and that these two minerals should be taken together for best results.
Jobee Knight, a nutritional researcher and President of www.NutritionBreakthroughs.com in Glendale, CA., is someone who fought her own battle against sleeplessness and insomnia. She decided to put her background to use by searching out effective natural insomnia remedies for relaxation and deeper sleep. The result was Sleep Minerals II, which contains powerful forms of the best known minerals for relaxation and sleep — calcium and magnesium, combined with vitamin D and zinc. The ingredients are formulated in a softgel with healthy oils, making them more quickly absorbable than tablets or capsules and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.
L.C. of Massachusetts says: “Due to some very stressful issues in my life, I hadn’t slept much in two and a half months and I was prescribed sleeping drugs to take. I had become dependent on those drugs and couldn’t sleep without them. I did my research on the Internet and came across Sleep Minerals II. I started taking two before sleeping and now I can sleep through the whole night without drugs. I’m also able to easily fall back asleep if I do get up to use the bathroom in the night. Sleep Minerals II has also helped to alleviate my chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia symptoms.”
Insomnia is a widespread problem. Going back to the “Father of Medicine’s” original words in 400 B. C., we would hear Hippocrates saying to his students: “Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food.”
For more information on Sleep Minerals II, visit http://www.nutritionbreakthroughs.com/html/sleep_remedy_for_insomnia_help.html
Natural Remedies for Hot Flashes, Night Sweats and Insomnia in Menopause
Posted on: December 26, 2012
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) reports that an estimated 6,000 US women reach menopause each day, which translates to over 2 million women every year. The average age of natural menopause, which is the point of a woman’s last menstrual period, is 51.4. The Women’s Health Initiative study, which followed 16,608 women being given hormone replacement therapy (HRT), discovered a high risk of breast cancer, coronary heart disease and stroke from the use of these drugs. As a result, more and more women today are seeking the use of natural remedies for menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, migraine headaches, anxiety, fatigue, and insomnia.
Vitamin E is famous for it’s health benefits to glands and organs, however it may not be generally known that vitamin E is a proven remedy for hot flashes. Adelle Davis, the first nutritionist to base her recommendations on science-based studies, says: “During the menopause the need for vitamin E soars ten to fifty times over that previously required. Hot flashes and night sweats often disappear when 50 to 500 units of vitamin E are taken daily, but they quickly recur should the vitamin be stopped.”
One study supporting vitamin E is from the University of Iran, published in Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation in 2007. 400 IU of vitamin E in a softgel cap was given to the participants daily for four weeks. A diary was used to measure hot flashes before the study and at the end. The researchers concluded that vitamin E is effective and is a recommended treatment for hot flashes.
Another natural remedy has been making headlines lately. Mayo Clinic breast health specialist Sandhya Pruthi, M.D., conducted a study on flaxseed for hot flashes. The 29 participants in Mayo’s clinical trial were women with hot flashes who did not want to take estrogen because of increased risk of breast cancer. The study gave them six weeks of flaxseed therapy, consisting of 40 grams of crushed flaxseed eaten daily. The result was that the frequency of hot flashes decreased fifty percent. Participants also reported improvements in mood, joint or muscle pain, chills, and sweating. This was a significant improvement in their health and quality of life. Dr. Pruthi said: “We hope to find more effective nonhormonal options to assist women, and flaxseed looks promising.”
Pycnogenol is a natural plant extract from the bark of the maritime pine tree which grows exclusively along the coast of southwest France. In a study from Taiwan, 100 pre-menopausal women aged 45-55 years, were given 100-mg capsules of Pycnogenol or placebo twice daily (at breakfast and dinner) for 6 months in a double-blind manner. All menopause symptoms evaluated (including depression, hot flashes, night sweats, memory, attractiveness, anxiety, sexual symptoms, and sleep) improved significantly with Pycnogenol treatment, as early as one month after initiation of treatment. The researchers said, “Supplementation with Pycnogenol clearly reduced the frequency as well as the severity of pre-menopausal symptoms.”
Night sweats and hot flashes can become a form of insomnia in which a woman wakes up drenched in sweat and unable to sleep. Regarding mineral deficiency at the time of menopause, Adelle Davis says, “The amount of calcium in a woman’s blood parallels the activity of the ovaries. During the menopause, the lack of ovarian hormones (estrogen and progesterone) can cause severe calcium deficiency symptoms to occur, including irritability, hot flashes, night sweats, leg cramps, and insomnia. These problems can be easily overcome if the intakes of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D are all generously increased and are well absorbed.”
One insomnia remedy becoming popular among menopausal women is Sleep Minerals II from Nutrition Breakthroughs. This natural sleep aid contains highly absorbable forms of calcium and magnesium, the best minerals for sleeplessness and insomnia, as well as for heart health, restless legs syndrome, bone strength, and menopause insomnia. The formula also includes vitamin D and zinc and is delivered in a softgel form with healthy carrier oils, making it more quickly absorbable than tablets or capsules and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.
Anita L. of New Caney, Texas says: “I was having hot flashes every 30 minutes to an hour through the night and was so miserable. After about two weeks of taking the Sleep Minerals, I noticed an incredible difference with my sleep. I have much less interruption from flashes, I’m sleeping much better and I’m a lot more comfortable.”
Life after menopause has been found to be a fulfilling time of life for many women. In a recent Gallup Poll sponsored by the North American Menopause Society, 51% of postmenopausal US women reported being the happiest and most fulfilled between ages 50 and 65. Menopause is an excellent time for a woman to keep her health at its peak and minimize symptoms such as night sweats and insomnia by using effective natural remedies.
For more information on Sleep Minerals II, see this web page.
Fibromyalgia (pronounced fy-bro-my-AL-ja), is a condition that affects five to six million Americans. Eighty to ninety percent of those diagnosed with fibromyalgia are women and most people are diagnosed during middle age. Fibromyalgia presents itself as widespread chronic pain, multiple tender points in joints and muscles, sleep disturbances and insomnia, extreme fatigue, stress, anxiety, and an interference with basic daily activities. A high percentage may also have irritable bowel syndrome, which suggests a food allergy component.
According to the National Institutes of Health web site, many people with fibromyalgia report varying degrees of success with complementary and alternative therapies such as massage, low impact exercise or stretching, chiropractic treatments, vitamins and minerals, eliminating allergic foods, avoiding caffeine or alcohol, and drinking a lot of water.
Vitamin D
Fibromyalgia and arthritis are “rheumatic” conditions — those that are known to impair the joints and/or soft tissues such as muscles and tendons and cause chronic, long-term pain. The Journal of Clinical Rheumatology recently published a study that found vitamin D deficiency is common in fibromyalgia and a 2010 study published in “International Orthopaedics” found a significant connection between vitamin D deficiency and arthritis of the knee and recommends that any patient with symptoms of arthritis be screened for vitamin D deficiency.
Allergic Foods
Nutrition expert Ray Sahelian, M.D. writes: “In one study, researchers reviewed medical charts of17 fibromyalgia patients who agreed to eliminate common foods from their diet such as corn, wheat, dairy, citrus, soy, nuts and sugar. After two weeks without eating any of the potential food allergens, nearly half of the patients reported significant reduction of pain, and most reported a reduction in other symptoms such as headache, fatigue, bloating, and breathing difficulties.”
MSM for Pain
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is a natural sulfur-bearing nutrient that occurs widely in nature. It is found in fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, fish, and grains. However, MSM is mostly lost when food is heated, frozen or pasteurized. According to research from Ronald Lawrence, M.D., MSM represents a safe, natural solution for chronic headaches, back pain, tendonitis, fibromyalgia, arthritis, athletic injuries and muscle spasms. A study in the journal “Osteoarthritis Cartilage” confirms this and reports that: “Compared to placebo, MSM produced significant decreases in osteoarthritis pain and physical function impairment. MSM also produced improvement in performing the activities of daily living.”
Minerals for Fibromyalgia
Calcium and magnesium have been researched for their roles as both natural pain relievers and insomnia remedies. A study from Hong Kong in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (a chiropractic journal), states that supplementing with calcium and magnesium in fibromyalgia subjects reduces the number of tender points. The study concluded that “calcium and magnesium supplements may be indicated as an adjunctive (additional) treatment of fibromyalgia.”
Calcium for Insomnia
Fibromyalgia may be related to or originate out of a sleep disorder. The pioneering nutritionist Adelle Davis says “A calcium deficiency often shows itself by insomnia, another form of an inability to relax. The harm done by sleeping tablets, to say nothing of the thousands of dollars spent on them, could largely be avoided if the calcium intake were adequate.” In one study published in the European Neurology Journal, researchers found that calcium levels in the body are higher during some of the deepest levels of sleep, such as the rapid eye movement (REM) phase, and that disturbances in sleep are related to a calcium deficiency.
Natural Sleep Remedy
One natural sleep remedy showing good results with pain and insomnia is Sleep Minerals II made by http://www.NutritionBreakthroughs.com. It contains highly absorbable forms of calcium and magnesium, along with Vitamin D and zinc. The ingredients are delivered in a softgel form with healthy carrier oils, making them more easily assimilated than capsules or tablets and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.
Doctor P. P. of Houston, Texas says: “I had developed sleeping problems and took two different sleep medications over the course of several weeks. When I discontinued them, the insomnia came back even worse. I literally got about 20 hours of sleep in 6 weeks time. Sleep Minerals II was just what I needed. I’ve been taking it for a couple weeks and getting many hours of sleep a night. As a doctor I would definitely avoid prescribing sleeping drugs — I would recommend Sleep Minerals II.”
Pain medications or anti-depressant drugs may be prescribed for fibromyalgia, but they tend to mask the symptoms, not heal them. It’s often a better option to use the tools of healthy diet, gentle exercise, and nutritional supplements to create greater health.
For more information on Sleep Minerals II visit http://www.NutritionBreakthroughs.com/html/sleep_remedy_for_insomnia_help.html
Restless Leg Syndrome as a disruptive condition that affects the nervous system and up to 10% of the U.S. population have some form of it. It results in an irresistible urge to move the legs (and sometimes the arms), often accompanied by unpleasant sensations in the legs such as creeping, crawling, tingling, pulling or pain. Because RLS most often occurs in the evening, it can disrupt sleep, contribute to insomnia, and reduce a person’s quality of life. RLS tends to run in families. A few natural remedies have been shown to help calm the symptoms of restless legs.
The B vitamins are nourishing and essential for good nervous system health. A study from the journal “Alternative Medicine Review” found that administration of folic acid (one of the B vitamins) alleviated the symptoms of RLS and may play a role in the treatment of primary, familial RLS. As a note, the B vitamins work together as a group and should be taken together in a supplement. This will prevent creating a deficiency in the others by taking only one of the whole group, such as folic acid (also known as vitamin B8). Some of the other B vitamins include thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), and niacin (vitamin B3).
In the article “Restless Leg Syndrome Responds to Calcium” by Peter Gott, M.D., he says: “Calcium has been found to be helpful in relieving nocturnal (night time) leg cramps, and some RLS sufferers have also found that it is beneficial in preventing symptoms when taken just prior to sleep…… Other deficiencies, most notably iron, magnesium, folic acid and B vitamins, are also known to cause RLS symptoms in some.”
A recent study published in the journal of “Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise” gave the results of various forms of exercise on people who suffer with periodic leg movements (PLM). PLM is a night-time condition with similar symptoms to RLS in which sufferers experience a repetitive cramping or jerking of the legs during sleep. The results showed that both intense short-term exercise and longer term exercise lowered the symptoms and greatly aided with falling sleep and staying asleep. (A tip would be to exercise earlier in the day as it may be stimulating if done too close to bed time).
Magnesium deficiency is a key factor in RLS. Studies in the Journal “Sleep” and the “Romanian Journal of Neurology and Psychiatry” have found magnesium to be an effective natural therapy for RLS. Insomnia remedies should have a 2 to 1 ratio of calcium to magnesium (twice as much calcium as magnesium). The original research on this ratio appeared in 1935 in the Journal of Physiological Reviews.
Andrew Weil, M.D. says that using drugs for restless leg syndrome – many of which have serious side effects – should be employed only as a last resort. He suggests RLS sufferers take a calcium/magnesium supplement at bedtime, do some form of daily exercise, stretch or massage their legs, take a hot bath to relax the legs, and stop smoking if they do so, as smoking may impair blood flow to the leg muscles. Since caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco can trigger symptoms, avoiding all three substances can also bring relief.
One natural sleep remedy showing good results with restless leg syndrome is Sleep Minerals II made by http://www.NutritionBreakthroughs.com. It contains highly absorbable forms of the best minerals and vitamins for relaxation: Calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D. The ingredients are delivered in a softgel form with carrier oils, making them more easily assimilated than capsules or tablets and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.
Kimberly B. of Troy, Michigan says: “I have been taking Sleep Minerals II for about a month now. I have tried everything out there and this supplement is amazing. I have suffered with insomnia for 2 1/2 years. I have also had restless leg syndrome my entire life and this is the first relief I’ve ever had…gone for a month now.”
For more information on Sleep Minerals II visit http://www.nutritionbreakthroughs.com/html/sleep_remedy_for_insomnia_help.html
Article Source: http://www.nutritionbreakthroughs.com/blog/2012/08/11/studies-show-natural-remedies-for-restless-leg-syndrome-and-insomnia/
Insomnia Linked with Stress: Studies Confirm Natural Sleep and Stress-Relief Remedies
Posted on: November 2, 2012
Sometimes the stresses, pressures or demands at work, school, or even home can interfere with our good sleep. Stress manifests on the physical level by an outpouring of the adrenal gland hormones such as cortisol. The adrenal glands are two small triangular-shaped glands that sit on top of each kidney. During times when these stress hormones are increased, they can deplete our calcium levels — a mineral known to help with relaxation and sleep.
Cortisol has a stimulating effect and can promote wakefulness at the very time when one is trying to fall asleep or stay asleep during the night. Scientists have recently discovered that increased blood levels of cortisol exist in people with chronic insomnia.
In one recent study, investigators monitored the sleep of eleven patients with insomnia and thirteen people without sleep disorders (1). Blood was collected every thirty minutes for twenty-four hours, and levels of adrenal stress hormones were monitored. They found that the level of adrenal hormones were significantly higher in the people with insomnia as opposed to the other group. The insomniacs with the highest degree of sleep disturbances produced the highest amounts of cortisol, particularly in the nighttime hours.
From a nutritional perspective, the mineral calcium has long been known as a natural aid to relaxation and sleep and is directly related to our cycles of sleep. In one study, published in the European Neurology Journal, researchers found that calcium levels in the body are higher during some of the deepest levels of sleep, such as the rapid eye movement (REM) phase. The study concluded that disturbances in sleep, especially the absence of REM deep sleep or disturbed REM sleep, are related to a calcium deficiency. Restoration to the normal course of sleep was achieved following the normalization of the blood calcium level.
Research has uncovered that in the presence of elevated cortisol levels, the amount of calcium is rapidly reduced in the body (3). Studies have shown that calcium declines for as long as the cells are exposed to cortisol, but promptly return to its normal level once the stress hormone is removed. In light of recent discoveries about the relationship between stress hormones and calcium depletion, it’s likely that nighttime calcium levels can be restored and insomnia calmed by supplementing with highly absorbable forms of this mineral.
One sleep remedy that is gaining popularity due to its readily assimilated forms of calcium and magnesium is Sleep Minerals II from http://www.NutritionBreakthroughs.com. This insomnia remedy contains highly absorbable forms of calcium and magnesium, the best minerals for sleeplessness and insomnia, as well as for relaxing the nerves and muscles. These minerals are also a remedy restless legs syndrome, bone strength, and menopause insomnia. The formula is delivered in a softgel form with healthy carrier oils, making it more absorbable than tablets or capsules and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.
L.R.C. of Massachusetts says: “Due to some very stressful issues in my life, I hadn’t slept much in two and a half months before being prescribed sleeping drugs. I had become dependent on them and couldn’t sleep without them. I did my research on the Internet and came across Sleep Minerals II. I take these before bed and now I can sleep through the whole night without drugs. And if I do have to get up, I can fall right back asleep. Another benefit is it also helps alleviate my chronic fatigue and aches and pains.”
Other helpful tips to support our health in stressful times include eating nourishing foods such as brightly colored vegetables and fruits, taking food supplements like fish oil capsules and green drink powders, doing some daily exercise, and creating positive communications and relationships with others.
For more information on Sleep Minerals II visit http://www.nutritionbreakthroughs.com/html/sleep_remedy_for_insomnia_help.html
References:
1. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism August 2001; 86:3787-3794
2. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, April 2001
3. American Journal of Physiology, Endocrinology & Metabolism 286: E626-E633, 2004
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a form of insomnia characterized by an overwhelming urge to move the legs when they are at rest, especially during sleep. RLS affects about 10% of the people in the U.S. It runs in families and may have a genetic component. Recent research has found that people with restless leg syndrome are deficient in the mineral magnesium.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, almost six out of ten Americans report having insomnia and sleep problems at least a few nights a week. Other types of insomnia include sleep apnea, which involves interrupted breathing and snoring during the night; narcolepsy – which causes people to fall asleep throughout the daytime; insomnia from hormone fluctuations such as with menstruation or menopause; and insomnia from the use of medications, caffeine or alcohol.
Those who have restless leg syndrome experience unpleasant sensations in the legs described as creeping, crawling, tingling, pulling, or painful. These sensations usually occur in the calf area but may be felt anywhere from the thigh to the ankle. People with RLS often experience chronic insomnia and sleeplessness due to the strong urge to walk or do other activities to relieve the sensations in their legs.
In one study from the Romanian Journal of Neurology and Psychiatry, researchers conducted biochemical and neurological tests in 10 cases of restless leg syndrome. The investigators reported important disorders of sleep organization. They found agitated sleep with frequent periods of nocturnal awakenings and a decrease of the duration and percentage of the deeper rapid eye movement (REM) sleep – also found in other forms of insomnia caused by magnesium deficiency.
Another study from the Journal “Sleep” had similar results. The study was titled “Magnesium Therapy for Periodic Leg Movements (PLMS) – Related Insomnia and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): An Open Pilot Study”. Magnesium was administered orally in the evening over a period of 4-6 weeks. Following magnesium treatment, periodic leg movements associated with arousals decreased significantly. In the 1998 study, the researchers concluded: “Our study indicates that magnesium treatment may be a useful alternative therapy in patients with mild or moderate RLS-or PLMS-related insomnia.”
According to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Human Nutrition Research Center in North Dakota, “Magnesium plays a key role in the body’s chemistry that regulates sleep. This may be why persons with long-term lack of sleep, or abnormal brain waves during deep sleep, often have low magnesium in their blood….Magnesium treatment increased deep sleep and improved brain waves during sleep in 12 elderly subjects. Magnesium treatment also decreased time to fall asleep and improved sleep quality of 11 alcoholic patients who often have a low magnesium status.”
Regarding the use of nutritional insomnia remedies containing magnesium for relief of restless leg syndrome and other sleep problems, certain formulas are more effective than others. The combination of minerals included and the presence of cofactors in the product are key. Formulas should contain twice as much calcium as magnesium. The original research on this recommended ratio appeared in 1935 in the Journal of Physiological Reviews and is made on the basis of long-term metabolic studies in men and women.
One natural insomnia remedy showing good results is Sleep Minerals II, made by http://www.NutritionBreakthroughs.com in Glendale, CA. This natural sleep remedy contains highly absorbable forms calcium and magnesium, the best minerals for sleep and insomnia, heart health, restless legs syndrome, bone strength, and menopause insomnia. The formula also includes vitamin D and zinc, and is delivered in a softgel form with healthy carrier oils, making it more quickly absorbable than tablets or capsules and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.
Sleep Minerals II has had beneficial results with relieving restless leg syndrome. Valerie H. of Santa Clarita, California says: “I had such severe menopause insomnia, it took me hours to fall asleep even though I was extremely tired. I also had crawling and tingling feelings in my legs at night. I got the Sleep Minerals II and after a few days of taking it, it started to work really well. I fall asleep now within 20 minutes and no more restless legs.”
Many people suffer from restless leg syndrome and some sources have called it an incurable disease. Regular use of the right kind of mineral supplement just might provide the needed relief.
For more information on Sleep Minerals II, read more here.
Teenagers are a special breed, having to face all the challenges of being in an in-between stage of life; not quite a child anymore and not yet an adult. Along with an acceleration of social interests and activities, they also sustain accelerated physical growth and increased nutritional needs. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 90% of teen girls and 70% of teen boys aren’t getting enough calcium. Their bones are growing the fastest during the teen years and they need more calcium than at any other time of life. The calcium deficiency can translate into irritability, nervous tension, hyperactivity, and insomnia.
Adelle Davis was the first nutritionist to base her recommendations on scientific research studies. She says: “If these hyperactive kids were recognized as victims of malnutrition and given, instead of drugs, a completely adequate diet, especially high in calcium, magnesium, and vitamins B6 and D; the majority might soon be as relaxed as sacks of cotton, their minds far more alert, their energies restored to normal. I have seen it happen many, many times.”
To shed some light on teenage sleeping habits, a study was published in the April 2010 issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health, Researchers found that two-thirds of teenage high school students are sleeping less than they need to, when they actually need 9.5 hours of sleep. Danice Eaton, author of the study and a research scientist in Atlanta said, “….Research (on teens) has shown that a lack of sleep can increase depression, negative physical health, headaches, poor school performance, school absenteeism and drowsy driving.”
There is a correlation between electronics use and insomnia in teens. A study from the Journal of Pediatrics published a survey of Philadelphia-area teens. It was found that two-thirds had a television in their bedroom, one third had a computer, 90% had their own cell phone and 79% had a personal music device. “These technological devices activate the mind. It’s like having a stressful work conversation just before getting into bed,” said Dr. Jonathan Pletcher, at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Pletcher doesn’t recommend sleep medication for teens, saying that, “The risks for this age group far outweigh the benefits.” He recommends shutting down the computer, TV, and cell phone well before bedtime and doing some relaxing and calming activities before bed.
Due to a deficiency of crucial minerals at the teenage time of life, calcium and magnesium supplements can be an effective sleep remedy. One natural insomnia remedy that’s gaining in popularity for all ages is Sleep Minerals II from http://www.NutritionBreakthroughs.com.
Sleep Minerals II contains highly absorbable forms of the best minerals for sleep and relaxation: Calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D. The ingredients are delivered in a softgel form with healthy carrier oils, making them more easily assimilated than capsules or tablets and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.
One mother of a teenage son who was suffering with insomnia, was grateful to find Sleep Minerals II. She says: “Our son began to have trouble sleeping about a year and a half ago. He was up until 2:00 a.m., and then he got up at 5:00. This continued for quite a while. He was miserable and so were we. He’s an athlete and a student and we just couldn’t live like this.”
“We had spent hundreds of dollars on testing and supplements with a naturopath and it just didn’t work. I searched on the Internet and found Sleep Minerals II. I thought to myself, ‘I’ll give it a try, there’s nothing harmful in it’. Well, from the get-go it helped Mitchell sleep better. He’s been using it as a sleep remedy for some time now. He is sleeping well and is so happy and healthy. He’s a normal teenager again. I just can’t say enough about what this product has done for us.”
Besides supplementing with key minerals, there are additional tips to help teens sleep better. Here is a summary from the Mayo Clinic and National Sleep Foundation:
* Consuming caffeine close to bedtime can interfere with one’s sleep, so avoid coffee, tea, soda pop and chocolate late in the afternoon. Nicotine and alcohol will also interfere with sleep.
* Limit stimulating activities and the use of electronics right before bedtime.
* Reduce extracurricular activities. Sometimes teens are overextended and participate in too many after-school activities, too late into the evening.
* Practice relaxing and calming activities before going to bed. For example, do gentle stretches, take a warm bath, or read a pleasant book.
* Make the bedroom a sleep haven. Keep it cool, quiet and dark. If needed, get eyeshades, earplugs, and blackout curtains. Let in the bright light in the morning to signal the body to wake up.
* Get regular exercise during the day, but not closer than 3 hours before bedtime.
* Establish a regular bedtime and wake-time schedule and stick to it, coming as close to it as possible on the weekends. A consistent sleep schedule makes it easier to fall asleep.
Let’s help our teens get the sleep and nutrition they need!
For more information on Sleep Minerals II, visit http://www.nutritionbreakthroughs.com/html/sleep_remedy_for_insomnia_help.html
News on Natural Remedies, Good Sleep and Good Health 