GABA Supplements for Sleep: Benefits, Safety & Over-the-Counter Options

Question
Thanks for your help. I do take magnesium and calcium. Is there anything else over the counter that you would recommend for sleep? Thanks again
Followup To
Question -
Hi, I have been looking at the supplement GABA. I would like to know more about it. I have a lot of trouble sleeping, and would like to find something to help me sleep besides prescription sleep aids, which I find very addictive. Do you have any information about these supplements? Also I would like to know if they are safe, and what some possible side effects might be.. Also, do you know what a good dosage to help insomnia would be? Thanks for your help!
Answer -
Jennifer,
GABA is not a good sleep aid.
My patients get good sleep with taking magnesium oxide 500 mg with a 500-600 mg Calcium carbonate with Vit D at dinner and at bedtime but you need to make sure these are OK with your doctor.

A good website for checking out nutrients and supplements is:
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/index.html

Answer
Not really.
The trick with the magnesium and calcium is to be on high enough a dose at dinner and bedtime to reflect in your having at least 2-3 soft bowel movements daily. The Womens Health study confirmed that women with less than 2-3 bowel movements daily are magnesium deficient which results in cramps, headaches, insomnia, and osteoporosis.