News on Natural Remedies, Good Sleep and Good Health

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a form of insomnia characterized by an urge to move one’s legs when they are at rest.  This can be overwhelming, especially during sleep. It is 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.

A recent study from the Yazd University of Medical Science in Iran has found that the mineral selenium provides improvement for restless leg syndrome symptoms.

The theory behind why selenium is effective in RLS is an interesting one. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, which is a chemical messenger that helps in the transmission of signals in the brain and other vital areas. The involvement of the dopamine system is considered by some to be the base reason for the development of RLS. Selenium has been shown to have healthful characteristics that promote the action of the dopamine pathways in the body.

The Iranian study of selenium for restless leg syndrome was a five month trial. The patients first took a placebo, and then took 50 micrograms (a microgram is one millionth of a gram), and then 200 micrograms of selenium.

The researchers concluded that selenium in the daily recommended dose of 50 micrograms reduces the occurrence of restless leg syndrome symptoms greatly. Due to the absence of side effects from selenium consumption, they recommend selenium for the improvement of RLS, and acknowledge it as an alternative to dopamine enhancing drugs.

Magnesium is also a helpful natural remedy for restless leg syndrome. In one study from the Romanian Journal of Neurology, researchers conducted biochemical and neurological tests in 10 cases of restless leg syndrome. 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: 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. The researchers concluded: “Our study indicates that magnesium treatment may be a useful alternative therapy.”

One natural insomnia remedy showing good results with restless leg syndrome is Sleep Minerals II made by http://NutritionBreakthroughs.com. This remedy contains highly absorbable forms of calcium and magnesium, as well as vitamin D and zinc. It 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.

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 ½ 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.”

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 visit the Sleep Minerals II page.