By Jobee Knight

Somewhere inside of us we know that when we’re having trouble sleeping, it’s due to the stresses in our lives.  Stress manifests on the physical level by an outpouring of the adrenal hormone cortisol.  Scientists have recently discovered that increased blood levels of cortisol exist in people with chronic insomnia.   These individuals may be suffering from sustained, round-the-clock activation of the body’s system for responding to stress.  Related research has also uncovered that cortisol rapidly reduces the amount of calcium in the body – a mineral known to assist with relaxation and sleep. 
In a study from the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (1) investigators monitored the sleep of 11 patients with insomnia and 13 people without sleep disorders.  Blood was collected every 30 minutes for 24 hours, and levels of adrenal stress hormones were monitored.  Average levels of both stress hormones were significantly higher in the insomniacs than in the control group.  The insomniacs with the highest degree of sleep disturbances secreted the highest amount of cortisol, particularly in the evening and nighttime hours.
 
Another aspect of this is that it appears people become more sensitive to the stimulating effects of cortisol as they age.  Researchers at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine (2) found that when both young and middle-aged men were administered a version of cortisol, the middle-aged men remained awake longer and slept less deeply.  This finding applies to aging women as well, who tend to experience insomnia and sleeplessness along with premenopause and menopause.
 
From a nutritional perspective, the mineral calcium has long been known as a natural aid to relaxation and sleep.  It is interesting that cortisol has been shown to rapidly reduce calcium in the body (3).  Studies have shown that calcium levels are reduced for as long as the cells are exposed to cortisol, but promptly return to the normal level once the stress hormone is removed. 
 
Jobee Knight, a nutritional researcher and founder of Nutrition Breakthroughs in Glendale, CA., is someone who fought her own battle against the stress of premenopausal insomnia.  After testing several formulas containing calcium, one stood out from the rest. The product, which became Sleep Minerals II, contains six different types of calcium, three types of magnesium, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, boron and horse tail herb.  The ingredients are formulated with carrier oils such as evening primrose, an oil that has been shown to increase mineral absorption, reduce calcium excretion, and increase bone density.
 
Lyn K. of Los Angeles, CA. says, “I’ve had chronic insomnia for some years now and had been taking other calcium products to help with my sleep. None have worked as effectively or consistently as Sleep Minerals II. I can count on it whenever I need help falling asleep at night or going back to sleep in the middle of the night. This is what sets it apart from the rest – it works reliably. And in my life, I need to be well-rested 7 days a week, so I call this product my “Sleep Insurance”. It also eases my menopause symptoms, evens out my hormonal changes, and seems to put my body into a healthy balance.”
 
Ali M. of Istanbul Turkey says, “I have been a pharmacist in Turkey for almost 40 years, and I also work as a consultant in food supplements. I suffer from restless leg syndrome at night. I recently tried your Sleep Minerals II and it had an astonishing beneficial result. My youngest brother, who is also a pharmacist, suffers too from restless leg syndrome. He tried the Sleep Minerals II with the same result. My mother aged 92 was complaining of sleep problems and insomnia. She tried it and the result was again amazing.”
 
In light of recent discoveries about the relationship between stress hormones, insomnia, and calcium depletion, it’s likely that nighttime calcium levels can be restored and insomnia calmed by supplementing with highly absorbable forms of the mineral. 
For more information visit http://www.NutritionBreakthroughs.com, call 818-913-4308, or write to Nutrition Breakthroughs at 1413 Fifth St., Suite D, Glendale, CA. 91201.Jobee Knight
President
www.NutritionBreakthroughs.com
A natural health company that provides articles, news,
and remedies based on the latest nutritional discoveries.
1413 Fifth St., Suite D
Glendale, CA. 91201
(818) 913-4308
 
 
References:
 
1. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism August 2001; 86:3787-3794
2. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, April 2001
3. American Journal of Physiology, Endocrinology & Metabolism 286: E626-E633, 2004