I have read the article by Eric Bakker regarding sleep or rather the lack of it.I now fit into the category of a light sleeper who gets leg pain during the night.Even though we have just purchased a fleecy king size electric blanket.Can keep same on all night.Me I have to use a sleeping tablet,as does my wife.Eric mentions Magnesium Citrate.Has anyone tried any herbal sedative etc.And did it work for you?

I have not read Erik Bakker so can't comment on herbal sedatives, meegeebee. I have nights where I find I am unable to sleep with leg pain. My neck is a constant pain but the leg just makes lying comfortably impossible. So far I just take two panadol and get up and watch tele for a while or walk around. I will check out Magnesium Citrate and let you know if it helps. Not sure that I would be happy with a sleeping pill.

Wikipedia describes M.C. as a saline bowel cleanser before medical treatment, and all the other cites were in the same vein. However, I found this article, And I think one would need to find out if it clashes with prescription drugs. For instance water retention and blood pressure. It certainly makes a lot of claims.

Get Well Natural's 100% Magnesium Citrate is easily absorbed by the body and contains no fillers or binders. Magnesium Citrate is a dietary mineral supplement that may support healthy heart rhythm and function, immune function, cardiovascular function, calming of muscles and nerves and a wide variety of health supporting activities. By promoting relaxation, magnesium may also promote restful sleep.*

It is one of the single most important nutrients for maintaining healthy biological functions including the production and transfer of cellular energy, muscle relaxation and contraction, nerve conduction, maintenance of healthy bones, electrical stability of cells, support of cell membrane integrity, and the maintenance of vascular tone.*

Magnesium also plays an important role in the conversion of carbohydrates, protein, and fats to energy, the manufacture of proteins, the synthesis of the genetic material within each cell and in many biochemical reactions as a cofactor to over 300 enzymes in the body. Our highly absorbable form of magnesium comes in our hypoallergenic vegetarian capsules. Get Well Natural's Magnesium is one of the best and easiest ways to experiencing the benefits of this essential mineral.*

Who may be deficient in Magnesium?
Magnesium Citrate may be a useful dietary supplement for specific groups that are at risk of magnesium deficiency, particularly the elderly, people under high levels of stress, people with diabetes or heart disease and those who use diuretics. Women who use oral birth control may also need extra magnesium. Another rarely known fact is that high dietary consumption of calcium may also cause magnesium deficiency. People who exercise regularly have a greater need for minerals like magnesium. It is important to remember that high intakes of calcium interfere with magnesium intestinal absorption and increase its renal (kidney) excretion. Diabetics tend to have lower than normal magnesium levels. Supplementation with magnesium may help diabetics to maintain adequate magnesium levels as well as improve glucose tolerance.*

Note: Magnesium can have a natural laxative effect so we recommend beginning with the minimal dosage and increasing one capsule gradually every 3 days until your gastrointestinal tract develops a tolerance.*


Suggested Usage: As a dietary supplement, take 1 capsules one to three times daily on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before meals, or as directed by a health care practitioner.
Ingredient: Magnesium Citrate
Count: 90 Vegetarian Capsules
Net Weight per Capsule: 200mg.
Serving Per Bottle: Approx. 90 Servings

Some people find that having a banana before they go to bed is helpful.

I'm a shocking sleeper but became concerned when my doctor suggested a sleeping pill or two. I don't know why but the thought of taking sleeping pills keeps me awake!

Instead I decided to contact Leanne James, a naturopath at Ideal Health in Auckland, as she had been helpful with another problem I had had.

She sent me a herbal supplement that worked a treat. I can't remember the name of it right now, but I think it was something like Deep Sleep.

Leanne is very helpful and is quite happy to give free advice via email . Her website is http://www.healthy.co.nz/ if anyone wants to do a bit of a search. Otherwise her email address is leanne@healthy.co.nz

Gigglebyte, I've heard that too. Apples as well.

When I was in hospital once a nurse told me that because they have to switch shifts (and sleep patterns have to change) they are taught this trick:

Strip off and stand beside your bed until you are cold. Once cold get into bed and turn the light out. (No reading or watching the telly). The nurse told me that once in bed, the body uses a lot of energy to warm up again and it induces sleep.

I haven't tried it personally. I'm not a pretty sight clothed, let alone naked...even in the dark!

I know a couple who use a magnetic blanket- had a look at the blanket in the shops. It is not a cheap option. The blanket concerned costs about $300 !