Lately, I haven't been sleeping well. This is becoming a problem - I end up tossing and turning in bed the whole night and come morning, I'm so, so, so, tired I have been taking magnesium and calcium before going to bed and when I asked some friends that also take them then, they said that they should actually help you sleep! Schwarzbein also mentions that they should be taken in the evening. I didn't have any last night, but still could not fall asleep. Come evening, I'm just so wide awake!
Also, I'm having a hard time letting go of Aspartame (sp.?). I still get my sweet cravings now and then... Problem is i totally want to get rid of these cravings and just can't seem to do it. I'm not craving major stuff (in the past my cravings would get so bad... once for breakfast I had Kitkat, Mars, Snickers, and Bounty - no joke - just sad and binged at my desk at work!!!) So I have to admit that I've dramatically improved...but still... What to do???

Hi Boo,

In the beginning I had trouble sleeping too and was also very hot, It should pass, why don't you try taking the suplements a little earlier in the afternoon.

I don't know if you're feeling hot too but apparently, if your getting hot it's because your fat burning and one night I was so bad I got up and spent half the night posting about is as I was having so much trouble. Don't know about the sweet cravings though...mine's usually OJ or apples.

I look at the positive things to keep me going, my nails, hair and skin are wonderful.

Bez

Boo,
You might be like some of us. The artificial sweeteners trigger the cravings. Try to get off of the Aspartame and all artificial sweeteners for a week and see how it goes.

At night my cravings would drive me crazy! So I started making whipped cream, no sweeteners. I would eat 1/4 cup and feel like I'd just treated myself to something heavenly. You can put in bits of a vanilla bean.

I found that my energy level went up when I first started and I had some trouble getting to sleep too. I understand what you said about your breakfast. Been there, done that, glad those days are over...

Ka3n's right Boo. The best way to deal with sweet cravings is not to give in to them. Easier said than done but an entirely worthwhile project to work on. You will be thrilled to be free of the sugar demon, artificial or not!

Karen

Hi Boo,
I can't sleep either. I am on going on day 4 and haven't slept a whole night through in 3 days. I am hoping that tonight is better. It is evening time here and I feel like I am already ready for bed. But I was just as tired last night but didn't get to sleep until about 3:30. I hope this passes soon.
Rene'

Here are some herbs that you should be able to find in a healthfood store or a pharmacy.

These promote rest and relaxation:
Kava Kava
Valarian

These promote sleep:
California Poppy Seeds
Passion Flower

Some herbal companies combine them in teas or capsules. Check with your phamacist or doc if your on any meds first.
Another thing that helps people, especially with jet lag and getting your body rhythm regulated is Melatonin. Warm baths and relaxation tapes/CDs can help, too.


Katherine