The best sleeping aid is?

[jam]

Any suggestions for sleeping remedies? I have tried melatonin and a few others, can't remember their names now. I am currenting taking Zoplocone but would like to try someting more natural but successful. Never seems to amaze me, no matter how tied I am, I cannot sleep. Help would be greatly appreciated.

Jam

[jimmylegs]

you might want to read up on magnesium (sources, interactions, depletion, bioavailability, solubility, forms, doses, timing etc)... might benefit the fatigue and feeling of weight on your chest from that other post also....

[tzootsi]

Valarium, a natural herb, is very effective and quite safe.

[jimmylegs]

i'm one person who doesn't react well to that one.. first and only time i tried it - years prior to dx - i ended up off work for three days thinking i was sick before i realized it was the herb sapping my strength! consider dosing carefully until you know how your system reacts.

[jam]

Thanks, will try those, I should point out I have tried manganese (citrate) before bed but maybe I am not taking correctly.

Jam

[jimmylegs]

manganese, or magnesium?

[Music]

Hi jam,

Every body is different but here is what worked for me. Had been on baclofen for 2 years and gotten EXTREME insomnia - slept one hour every 24 hours. Went off this med - didn't do anything for me anyway. Stayed away from sugar and changed my sleeping position - layed on my back with pillows under my knees. Soon I was sleeping thru the night. Had tried different aids also but nothing helped until I tried the above. Can't drink the dark colas after 8 pm as I will be awake - caffeine?? Have never drank coffee.

Take care.

[jimmylegs]

good ideas to avoid those various things - sugar, caffeine and coffee all cause the body to dump magnesium.

[dignan]

Tart cherry juice seems to be working like a charm for my girlfriend.

http://www.northumbria.ac.uk/browse/ne/ ... herryjuice

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22038497

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3133468/

[jam]

Thanks again for the responses. I have tried the tried the tart cherry.

Jimmy in response to you, I am taking go magnesium 800 for nerve support. May be I should take more of it?


Jam

[jimmylegs]

hi i looked up the product and found these details:

http://www.kiwidrug.com/gohealthynz/magnesium_800/
Ingredients per VegeCap
Magnesium aspartate (equiv. Magnesium 20mg) 100mg,
Magnesium amino acid chelate (equiv. Magnesium 20mg) 100mg,
Magnesium citrate (equiv. Magnesium 20mg) 100mg,
Magnesium oxide (equiv. Magnesium 300mg) 500mg
(TOTAL ELEMENTAL MAGNESIUM 360mg)

so, the largest part of that 360 mg you're getting is 300mg one of the least absorbable forms, unfortunately. because it is relatively insoluble you won't be able to absorb most of it. and no, i wouldn't add any more of that to your daily regimen, or you might find yourself running to the toilet too often!

see if you can find a magnesium glycinate product. that is the best absorbed form that i'm aware of.
eg: http://www.netpharmacy.co.nz/prl-quantu ... 0-capsules
if you tell me where you are i'll see if i can find you a link to a better local deal. i pay $20 CDN for a bottle but i'll have to get back to you with the number of capsules.

also, epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) baths according to package directions could be useful.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnesium_sulfate

best of all, a solid boost to your intake of healthy magnesium-rich foods could help (synergies with other food nutrients are really important!)
http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=75

and last but not least, avoiding foods that deplete or interfere with magnesium could help a lot.
"Interferences from food, drugs, alcohol, hormones, other supplements (Frequent consumption of alcohol, coffee, food components ie, phytates, phosphorous, fiber, saturated fats, tannins, polyphenols can block or decrease mineral absorption. Antacids, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, diuretics, or hormone replacement can cause considerable depletion of magnesium. Digoxin, Amiodarone and Betapace (sotalol) are known depleters of Mg.(4) High-dose calcium supplements compete as do calcium-containing antacids like Tums; consuming large quantities of caffeine and alcohol can deplete magnesium – ie, diuretic effect.)" (note a key 'other supplement' not specified is vitamin D3 - an important supplement that must be carefully timed...)

in spite of the above, please also note: "How does absorption occur in the small intestine? The presence of calcium is an influencing factor. Magnesium and calcium have a natural affinity for each other. Scientists have learned that if either of the minerals is consumed greatly in excess, it will be carried out of the system with the aid of the other element. However, these minerals are absorbed more easily when they are both present than when either is present alone. Thus, a deficiency of either element can cause a deficiency of the other as well, particularly in tissues where they are needed."

ps exercise and stress also increase the body's magnesium demand.

finally, if you get tested ensure your serum level is at LEAST 0.90 mmol/L ('normal' range is 0.70 - 1.10 mmol/L, so ensure that you stay in the top half of the range).

if you incorporate all that, including a successful boost to your serum levels, and still aren't sleeping, 1) i'll be amazed, and 2) then we'll try harder to find the solution

remember let me know where you are so i can try to find you a local source for mag glycinate. ttfn!

[jam]

Jimmylegs

I am quake city, Chch NZ, so it might be best if I get my husband to source it. If you have ideas about brands I could see what it avail.

Thanks for your kind offer.


Jam

[jimmylegs]

oh, man! i tried to check a few local stores but at least one is still rebuilding. you might decide to use that other link above and order the PRL quantum online. i tried looking up a few nz based manufacturers but there are not many using magnesium glycinate
good luck, hope you can get some!

[jam]

Thanks Jimmyl, it may take some time but will try.

Jam

[Stillhaha]

Idebenone helps me sleep through noisy nights.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idebenone

It seems to help me with bladder related issues, as well. I take 150mg daily.