"i had terrible sleep waking many times an hour. doctor prescribed ambien and it helped but i sleept only about 3 hours. he changed to lunesta which had longer half life and sleept about 5 hours give or take. no real side effects that i could tell. i started taking ionized magnesium powder from whole foods in water for general health reasons and found that i did not need lunesta any longer. i sleep soundly for 8 hours or more if schedule permits. i suggest that if you try magnesium start with a smaller amount that recommended and add benefiber because magnesium tends to loosen the bowel somewhat. magnesium is great for overall nerves health and i have not needed sleep aid since starting. whole foods has 365 brand or try calm."