Can Sea Salt Under Pillow Improve Sleep for Hypertensive Patients?

Benefits of Sea Salt

Description of the issue: My mother is 70 years old and has hypertension (no diabetes).
Recently, she read a book titled "The Amazing Detox Method," which suggests that individuals with poor sleep can use 50g of natural sea salt wrapped in cloth or an envelope and place it under their pillow to alter the magnetic field and aid sleep.
That night, my mother took her usual medication, Xanax (alprazolam 0.5mg/tab), before sleeping on a pillow with the sea salt underneath.
Within five minutes, she felt a warm sensation from the back of her head to her spine.
I am unsure whether this is a good or bad phenomenon, so she immediately discarded the sea salt (which was purchased from a pharmacy from a certain biotech company).
My questions are: Is this warm sensation a good or bad sign? Can she continue using it? Could it help with her insomnia? This question was asked two weeks ago, but I have not received a response, and I have forgotten which doctor I consulted (as I am not familiar with any doctors).
I would appreciate your response to clarify my doubts.
Thank you!

Lin, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/11/14

Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Internal Medicine

Hello, Miss Lin.
Common uses of sea salt include making bath salts for bathing purposes, which can help exfoliate and beautify the skin.
It is also said to have a sweating effect.
However, regarding the effects of its magnetic field and how it interacts with diseases or medications, there is currently no definitive research available to answer your question.
Thank you for your understanding!

Reply Date: 2005/11/14

More Info

The idea of using sea salt under a pillow to improve sleep is an interesting one, but it lacks substantial scientific backing. While sea salt is often praised for its various health benefits, including its use in baths for relaxation, its efficacy in altering magnetic fields or directly improving sleep quality is not supported by rigorous clinical research.

In your mother's case, the sensation of warmth she experienced after placing the sea salt under her pillow could be attributed to a few factors. It might be a psychosomatic response, where the mind interprets the presence of the salt as a calming influence, or it could be related to the physical properties of the salt itself, such as its ability to retain heat. However, this sensation is not necessarily indicative of a therapeutic effect and should not be interpreted as a sign that the salt is beneficial for her sleep or hypertension.

For individuals with hypertension, sleep quality is indeed crucial. Poor sleep can exacerbate high blood pressure, leading to a cycle of worsening health. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can lead to increased sympathetic nervous system activity, which can raise blood pressure. Therefore, addressing sleep issues is important for managing hypertension. However, relying on unproven methods like placing sea salt under a pillow may not be the best approach.

Instead, it would be more beneficial for your mother to focus on established methods for improving sleep quality. These include maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation before bed. Additionally, since she is taking alprazolam (a medication often prescribed for anxiety and sleep issues), it is essential to consult her healthcare provider about her sleep difficulties and the appropriateness of her current medication regimen.

If your mother continues to experience sleep disturbances, it may be worthwhile to explore other options, such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which has been shown to be effective in treating sleep disorders. Furthermore, lifestyle changes, including regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques, can also contribute to better sleep and improved blood pressure control.

In summary, while the concept of using sea salt under a pillow is intriguing, it is not a scientifically validated method for improving sleep or managing hypertension. It is essential to focus on proven strategies and consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and treatment options.

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