News on Natural Remedies, Good Sleep and Good Health

Magnesium has many benefits to good health, one of them being its action as an effective natural sleep aid.  James F. Balch, M.D., author of Prescription for Nutritional Healing, writes: “A lack of the nutrients magnesium and calcium will cause you to wake up after a few hours and not be able to return to sleep.” Chronic insomnia that occurs with frequent nighttime awakenings is one of the main symptoms of magnesium deficiency.  On the other hand, a high magnesium 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.

Mildred Seelig, M.D., the leading medical researcher on magnesium says: “Many people needlessly suffer pain – including fibromyalgia, migraines and muscle cramps – because they don’t get enough magnesium.”

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center web site, inadequate magnesium also appears to reduce serotonin levels in the brain.  One study found that magnesium was just as effective as an antidepressant drug in treating depression.  In addition, researchers at Stockholm’s Karolinska Institute reported that for every 100 milligram increase in magnesium intake, the risk of developing type-2 diabetes decreased by 15 per cent.  Other studies have shown that people with migraine headaches have low concentrations of magnesium in their body.

Melatonin supplements are also used as a sleep aid. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the pineal gland, which is located in the center of the brain. At night or in the dark, the pineal gland naturally releases melatonin to regulate the sleep cycle. The body produces less melatonin with advancing age. While melatonin doesn’t require a prescription, it is a potent hormone. If too much is taken, it can make it more difficult to wake up and can result in daytime grogginess, dizziness and headaches.

According to the Mayo Clinic, other side effects of melatonin include abdominal discomfort, anxiety, irritability, confusion and short-term depression.  Melatonin supplements can interact with various medications, including blood-thinning medications, medications that suppress the immune system, diabetes medications and birth control pills.  Melatonin is best used under the supervision of a doctor.

This news is brought to you by http://Nutrition Breakthroughs.com and their natural sleep aid Sleep Minerals II.  Sleep Minerals II is the original magnesium and calcium based sleep aid and is known for soothing even the worst, long-term insomnia.  It helps everyone from teenagers, to women with menopause symptoms, to older seniors, to get a good night’s sleep.  For more information on Sleep Minerals II visit the Sleep Minerals II page.