I cured my insomnia without prescription drugs

For the past few years I have gotten terrible sleep every night. Around 9 or 10pm I would get the Jimmy Legs, and it would be downhill from there. It would be really hard to fall asleep, and then I would wake up many times and not be able to fall asleep again. Even when I was asleep it wasn’t very deep or restful.

So I finally went to the doctor and she gave me tips like not watching TV in the evening, reading books, drinking warm milk, and so on. But she closed with the offer of a prescription for Ambien. Sigh, I was disappointed that her advice really boiled down to ‘take drugs’ and I declined.

Hallelujah!

I no longer remember which magazine I found the advice that worked, but it was something silly and definitely not a scientific journal or medical magazine. It was a single sentence in a sidebar that recommended taking a Magnesium supplement before bedtime. At that point I was willing to try anything, especially when I saw that a bottle of it was $3 at Target!

I felt stupid, and kind of like I’d gotten the wool pulled over my eyes, but that night I took a magnesium pill. I fell asleep. I slept all night. I woke up refreshed.

The hell?

It must have been a coincidence, or psychosomatic, right? No! It has been working for months and months now — and recently I discovered that Dr. Google recommends adding calcium to the mix as well, and in a 2-1 ratio with the magnesium.

I tell you people, this has SAVED MY LIFE. I can SLEEP AT NIGHT. I can function again. (And with bones this strong, I’ll be in my 90s crushing cities like Godzilla.)

So here’s my sleep recipe: 1000mg Calcium and 500mg Magnesium about an hour before I want to be asleep. That’s it. Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, I suppose following this advice might kill you or just not work at all. Please talk to a real doctor before trying this.

But seriously, for me it’s like magic.

(Here’s the exact calcium magnesium supplement I take. It is a huge horse pill, but they’re easy to break in half if you need to. Or you can look around for other options.)


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63 responses to “I cured my insomnia without prescription drugs”

  1. that girl Avatar

    this info is gonna help a LOT OF people save a lot of money and time — awesome. thanks for sharing!

    that girl's latest post: Preview: Movie Monday: Baby Mama

  2. that girl Avatar

    this info is gonna help a LOT OF people save a lot of money and time — awesome. thanks for sharing!

    that girl's latest post: Preview: Movie Monday: Baby Mama

  3. Erika Jurney Avatar

    Well I hope so, but who knows — maybe it only works for me! Fingers crossed…

  4. Erika Jurney Avatar

    Well I hope so, but who knows — maybe it only works for me! Fingers crossed…

  5. Kalyn Avatar

    Years ago my doctor recommended taking two calcium at bedtime and said it would help me sleep, and it did work! Then I got out of the habit of doing it, so thanks for the reminder! Didn't know about magnesium but I'll try it. These days I sleep well sometimes, and other times, no. way. can. I. fall. asleep. Hate it when that happens.

    Kalyn's latest post: Saturday Morning Egg Muffin Melts (Kalyn Gets Creative With Leftovers)

  6. Kalyn Avatar

    Years ago my doctor recommended taking two calcium at bedtime and said it would help me sleep, and it did work! Then I got out of the habit of doing it, so thanks for the reminder! Didn't know about magnesium but I'll try it. These days I sleep well sometimes, and other times, no. way. can. I. fall. asleep. Hate it when that happens.

    Kalyn's latest post: Saturday Morning Egg Muffin Melts (Kalyn Gets Creative With Leftovers)

  7. Kathy Avatar

    I might try that. I need the calcium anyway.

    One of the suggestions your doctor gave you: not watching tv before bed? That's the only way I can fall asleep.

    Kathy's latest post: Housekeeping

  8. Kathy Avatar

    I might try that. I need the calcium anyway.

    One of the suggestions your doctor gave you: not watching tv before bed? That's the only way I can fall asleep.

    Kathy's latest post: Housekeeping

  9. Kris Avatar

    I'm so glad you found an answer to your problem. Are you able to watch tv and stuff at night now too? I'm lucky that I started taking cal/mag several years ago. But did you know there are entire books out there devoted to the merits/necessity of taking magnesium? It's amazing. Vitamin D is a big one too, they're linking vitamin d deficiency now to several health problems, including MS!

    Kris's latest post: Mom Central Blog Tour: Cranergy Energy Juice Drink

  10. Kris Avatar

    I'm so glad you found an answer to your problem. Are you able to watch tv and stuff at night now too? I'm lucky that I started taking cal/mag several years ago. But did you know there are entire books out there devoted to the merits/necessity of taking magnesium? It's amazing. Vitamin D is a big one too, they're linking vitamin d deficiency now to several health problems, including MS!

    Kris's latest post: Mom Central Blog Tour: Cranergy Energy Juice Drink

  11. Jamiehoo.com Avatar

    I'm definitely going to research this. Thanks Erika!

    I have stopped (gasp) watching TV late at night and I try not to get on the computer…famous last words. I have trouble staying asleep, especially if one of the girls or our dogs (#@^#@%&@) wakes me up.

    Jamiehoo.com's latest post: Glimpse

  12. Jamiehoo.com Avatar

    I'm definitely going to research this. Thanks Erika!

    I have stopped (gasp) watching TV late at night and I try not to get on the computer…famous last words. I have trouble staying asleep, especially if one of the girls or our dogs (#@^#@%&@) wakes me up.

    Jamiehoo.com's latest post: Glimpse

  13. Jen Avatar

    Thanks for this tip! I'm gonna have to give this a try. I have such a hard time falling asleep most nights and this might be just the help I need.

  14. Jen Avatar

    Thanks for this tip! I'm gonna have to give this a try. I have such a hard time falling asleep most nights and this might be just the help I need.

  15. Erika Jurney Avatar

    Kris, I can definitely watch tv in bed — I can't tell you the number of times I've fallen dead asleep for the last 15 minutes of a show!

  16. Erika Jurney Avatar

    Kris, I can definitely watch tv in bed — I can't tell you the number of times I've fallen dead asleep for the last 15 minutes of a show!

  17. Erika Jurney Avatar

    For me it's the fucking cat who wakes me up. He has a full food bowl, a full water dish… I don't understand cats.

  18. Erika Jurney Avatar

    For me it's the fucking cat who wakes me up. He has a full food bowl, a full water dish… I don't understand cats.

  19. Assertagirl Avatar

    I'm going to send this to my Mom, who is desperate for a sleep solution. Thanks!

    Assertagirl's latest post: E.T. The Friday Flashback

  20. Assertagirl Avatar

    I'm going to send this to my Mom, who is desperate for a sleep solution. Thanks!

    Assertagirl's latest post: E.T. The Friday Flashback

  21. carmen Avatar

    Erika, I wish you'd asked me – I've taken cal mag for at least, oh, twelve years now and if I slack off, I know it by the way I sleep. It also REALLY helps with the leg cramps that I get and the general achey leg feeling.

    I'm glad it's working!

    carmen's latest post: If a camera crew was there

  22. carmen Avatar

    Erika, I wish you'd asked me – I've taken cal mag for at least, oh, twelve years now and if I slack off, I know it by the way I sleep. It also REALLY helps with the leg cramps that I get and the general achey leg feeling.

    I'm glad it's working!

    carmen's latest post: If a camera crew was there

  23. jodifur Avatar

    I have had insomnia for as long as I can remember. I'll have to try that.

  24. jodifur Avatar

    I have had insomnia for as long as I can remember. I'll have to try that.

  25. AMomTwoBoys Avatar

    Does it work for children too? Cause I'd sleep fine if they'd freakin' let me!

    Totally kidding. I wouldn't give them this…I'll stick to crushing up some "S*mply Sl**p" in their night time beverage. :0)

    AMomTwoBoys's latest post: Just Read the First Half

  26. AMomTwoBoys Avatar

    Does it work for children too? Cause I'd sleep fine if they'd freakin' let me!

    Totally kidding. I wouldn't give them this…I'll stick to crushing up some "S*mply Sl**p" in their night time beverage. :0)

    AMomTwoBoys's latest post: Just Read the First Half

  27. Erika Jurney Avatar

    AMomTwoBoys, did you know that the gummy vitamin people make a calcium supplement for kids? I'm just saying…

  28. Erika Jurney Avatar

    AMomTwoBoys, did you know that the gummy vitamin people make a calcium supplement for kids? I'm just saying…

  29. Georgetta Avatar

    Soaking in a warm bath with a cup of epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) right before bed helps too!

    Georgetta's latest post: Weekend Herb Blogging: Rice Cooker Thyme and Swiss Scalloped Potatoes

  30. Georgetta Avatar

    Soaking in a warm bath with a cup of epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) right before bed helps too!

    Georgetta's latest post: Weekend Herb Blogging: Rice Cooker Thyme and Swiss Scalloped Potatoes

  31. Erika Jurney Avatar

    Georgetta, Ooh, that sounds heavenly — and smart too ;)

  32. Erika Jurney Avatar

    Georgetta, Ooh, that sounds heavenly — and smart too ;)

  33. Mutha Mae Avatar

    THat's it ! Going to Target tomorrow anyway. Have just added magnesium to the list. I am a long suffering insomniac who resorts to sleep aids when I get desperate. Life has gotten stressful again and when stressed I cannot sleep. I am going to try what you suggested because I am exhausted at this point. Also passing this along to a friend. Thanks for sharing the info!

    Mutha Mae's latest post: Don’t call us, we’ll call you. A vlog entry.

  34. Mutha Mae Avatar

    THat's it ! Going to Target tomorrow anyway. Have just added magnesium to the list. I am a long suffering insomniac who resorts to sleep aids when I get desperate. Life has gotten stressful again and when stressed I cannot sleep. I am going to try what you suggested because I am exhausted at this point. Also passing this along to a friend. Thanks for sharing the info!

    Mutha Mae's latest post: Don’t call us, we’ll call you. A vlog entry.

  35. Kim/hormone-colored Avatar

    I have two boys and am totally with amomoftwoboys (above); it seems like one boy or the other is always waking me in the middle of the night.

    Glad this is working for you! A friend of mine took Ambien for a while and it turns out she was having sleepwalking/eating/talking episodes that she didn't recall. Creepy! And dangerous!

    Kim/hormone-colored days's latest post: Matzah Mania

  36. Kim/hormone-colored Avatar

    I have two boys and am totally with amomoftwoboys (above); it seems like one boy or the other is always waking me in the middle of the night.

    Glad this is working for you! A friend of mine took Ambien for a while and it turns out she was having sleepwalking/eating/talking episodes that she didn't recall. Creepy! And dangerous!

    Kim/hormone-colored days's latest post: Matzah Mania

  37. Eden Avatar

    I get the jimmy legs too, usually if I've unwittingly had caffeine sometime after 2 p.m. I'm so trying this.

    Eden's latest post: Not for the squeamish

  38. Eden Avatar

    I get the jimmy legs too, usually if I've unwittingly had caffeine sometime after 2 p.m. I'm so trying this.

    Eden's latest post: Not for the squeamish

  39. Heather (A Mama&#039 Avatar

    I take this during the day after breakfast- maybe that is why I am tired during the day. I have had insomnia too, so I'll have to try switching this to night.

    One note, make sure you do take the calcium w/ the magnesium in it. Calcium at that high of mg, can be constipating to some people- that is why the Mg. is usually already added to it. But in case someone just has the calcium, you can add the Mg. to it, if you have problems.

  40. Heather (A Mama&#039 Avatar

    I take this during the day after breakfast- maybe that is why I am tired during the day. I have had insomnia too, so I'll have to try switching this to night.

    One note, make sure you do take the calcium w/ the magnesium in it. Calcium at that high of mg, can be constipating to some people- that is why the Mg. is usually already added to it. But in case someone just has the calcium, you can add the Mg. to it, if you have problems.

  41. Tan Avatar

    I stumbled upon your site from somewhere, and I am SO GLAD I did. I have trouble sleep at night too (it's currently 1:13 a.m. here.) I've been needing to add a calcium supplement to my diet anyway as there is a strong family history of osteoporosis, so I am definitely going to try the Calcium & Magnesium you suggested! THANK YOU! I'll stop back by soon and let you know how it worked for me.

  42. Tan Avatar

    I stumbled upon your site from somewhere, and I am SO GLAD I did. I have trouble sleep at night too (it's currently 1:13 a.m. here.) I've been needing to add a calcium supplement to my diet anyway as there is a strong family history of osteoporosis, so I am definitely going to try the Calcium & Magnesium you suggested! THANK YOU! I'll stop back by soon and let you know how it worked for me.

  43. Erika Jurney Avatar

    Tan, I really hope it works for you. I can't wait to hear back ;)

  44. Erika Jurney Avatar

    Tan, I really hope it works for you. I can't wait to hear back ;)

  45. Busy Mom Avatar

    Does it come in spray form for kids?

    "Hey, go to bed."

    *psssst*

  46. Busy Mom Avatar

    Does it come in spray form for kids?

    "Hey, go to bed."

    *psssst*

  47. Erika Jurney Avatar

    Busy Mom, more like "Hey, look over there!!!" *pssst*

    I think you have a marketable idea. I'd buy it.

  48. Erika Jurney Avatar

    Busy Mom, more like "Hey, look over there!!!" *pssst*

    I think you have a marketable idea. I'd buy it.

  49. Katy (aka funny girl Avatar

    I'm half asleep at the computer in the middle of the day because I can't get a single good night's sleep. I will be trying your remedy…thanks!!

    Katy (aka funny girl)'s latest post: Can you spare a square?

  50. Katy (aka funny girl Avatar

    I'm half asleep at the computer in the middle of the day because I can't get a single good night's sleep. I will be trying your remedy…thanks!!

    Katy (aka funny girl)'s latest post: Can you spare a square?

  51. […] informative blog. Natural treatments for specific conditions such as bladder infections, insomnia and Pancreatitis are offered, while Madeleine Begun Kane reminds us that laughter is sometimes the […]

  52. Annette Avatar
    Annette

    what’s jimmy legs? I get very jumpy at night, hrs. after I try to go to sleep and I thought it was just cuz I freak out when it takes me 4 hrs. to go to sleep. I’m going nuts! I take calcium and magnesium, but maybe not enough?

  53. Kessler , Lila Avatar
    Kessler , Lila

    I drink my Vitamin D in the morning ……And since I started drinking vitamin D I get more Insomnia. Does time that you drink the vitamin matter ? Should I drink the vitamin D at Night ? Thanks will appreciate any info

  54. Pierre Avatar
    Pierre

    Erika,
    Since this blog is originally dated from April 2008, can you tell us if the calcium+magnesium supplement is still working in relieving your insomnia? I’ve had insomnia for 10+ years (I usually get 5-6 hours of sleep a night and feel exhausted by afternoon) so I’d be very interested in knowing if this is still working for you.
    Take care,P

    1. erikajurney Avatar

      Yeah, it still works great :)

      1. Pierre Avatar
        Pierre

        Thanks for the update!

      2. margy Avatar
        margy

        Hi Erika, thanks for your info, do you take any other supplements or only calcium and magnesium at night? thanks Margy

  55. Pullo Avatar
    Pullo

    I have been fighting insomnia for about 7 months with no success. Sleeping pills don’t work for me and is driving me crazy. Sometimes a go 3 days without sleep. I will try this.

  56. SONJA Avatar
    SONJA

    Have you also tried other brands or only this one? Is it made from magnesium citrate and calcium citrate? I was told not to buy magnesium oxide but most magnesium/calcium combinations have oxide.

    How late before bed do you take it? And if you dont take it you cant sleep?

    thanx

  57. Cheryl Avatar
    Cheryl

    I just want to say, the calcium and magnesium may not work for everyone. Although it may still be an electrolyte problem. I already have too much of those minerals in my cells. I have a genetic problem of not making enough D3. My daughter’s problem is she doesn’t absorb enough phosphorus. She drinks nothing but diet coke. When she tried giving it up she quickly gained 65lbs. She started drinking it again and is losing the weight, which is actually swelling. So pay attention to foods you crave and foods you can’t stand to eat or drink.

  58. Tinyurl Avatar
    Tinyurl

    Hi, I have read your blog last Monday so I took magnesium + calcium + vitaminD that night and it worked for me. I slept all night! But last night it was different, I was up all night and only got 2 hours of sleep. I don’t know maybe because I ate chocolates during the day, I kind of abused myself thinking that I would sleep well the night. I hope to sleep well tonight as I am not going to eat any sweets today.

    Does this happen to you? And how long have you been taking magnesium and does it still work for you?

    Thanks.

  59. Sylvia Avatar
    Sylvia

    Tinyurl; I don’t think any of the above commentors will respond since most of them posted 3-6 years ago. I’m also dealing with insomnia and fragmented sleep myself for the last 18 mos. Just lately, I started getting restless legs and I’ve had it in the past along with muscle cramps off and on. I’ve also had some of the other strange off and on symptoms that go along with mineral deficiency such as tingling in the fingers and numbness in one leg. I found out just recently about mineral deficiency (calcium, potassium, magnesium) causing insomnia. I’ve just started experimenting and have gotten some better sleep by using Swanson magnesium oil spray on my legs. You can order that online. I’ve also tried liquid magnesium which caused diahrea even when I used smaller than recommended amounts. I see other people have this problem too. It absorbs quickly and seems to keep me more alert when taking it in the evening. Will stop taking that.
    I just bought some “Natural Calm” raspberry-lemon flavor magnesium supplement at “Whole Foods” market, saw where some people have had better luck with that.

  60. Sylvia Avatar
    Sylvia

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