FDA Requests Stronger Warning Labels for Sleep Drugs - Other Options Exist

The FDA recently announced its request to makers of sleep drugs that they use stronger language on product labels to warn of risks and side effects. The FDA's announcement (# P07-45) applies to all sleeping drugs, also known as "sedative-hypnotic" products – including Ambien, Lunesta and Sonata. Natural remedies for sleep, such as Sleep Minerals from Nutrition Breakthroughs, may offer alternatives to the sleep deprived.

FDA found that severe allergic reactions and extreme facial swelling can occur even with the first dose of hypnotic drugs. Other reports include sleepwalking,

sleep-driving, preparing food, and eating while asleep – all with no memory of the events.

Little-known studies into the nutritional causes of insomnia – spanning from North Dakota to Romania – are finding that natural minerals can be important, even critical, for a good night's sleep. Magnesium deficiency has been found to exist at the root of sleep disorders, anxiety, fatigue and migraine headaches.

Sleep in magnesium deficiency is restless, agitated, and disturbed by frequent nighttime awakenings. In a study of more than 200 patients, Dr. W. Davis used magnesium chloride as a possible means of combating insomnia. He reported that sleep was induced rapidly, was uninterrupted, and waking tiredness disappeared in 99% of the patients. (W. Davis "The Role of Magnesium in Sleep," Montreal Symposium).

Magnesium chloride crystals are made from seawater. Separately, both magnesium and chloride have important functions in keeping us healthy. Chloride combines with hydrogen in the stomach to make hydrochloric acid, a powerful digestive aid that declines with age. Supplements such as Sleep Minerals from Nutrition Breakthroughs, are including this highly digestible form of magnesium for deeper sleep.