Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a key role in many physiological functions, such as immune health, blood sugar regulation, and nerve and muscle function. Recent research has shown that taking magnesium at night can help improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia symptoms. Magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitters involved in sleep, such as gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). It also helps the body relax and can even reduce chronic body pain and discomfort associated with fibromyalgia.
Although it is possible to assess your magnesium levels, the findings are not always beneficial. Eating a balanced diet is usually enough to get the recommended daily dose of magnesium. However, if you don't consume enough in your diet, taking a magnesium supplement can help you sleep better. Magnesium glycinate is one of the most common magnesium supplements used to achieve better sleep, as it is combined with an additional sleep aid and an amino acid, glycine.
It is generally considered safe to take magnesium for sleep as long as you don't take more than the recommended daily dose. To do this, you can follow the dosage recommendations of the supplement manufacturer or talk to your doctor for specific instructions. Taking magnesium for sleep is not a substitute for a good sleep routine, however. Other supplements such as melatonin, valerian and chamomile tea may be recommended first by your doctor. Magnesium can be taken in the hours before bedtime or during the day.
Putting more magnesium in the body than you need can lead to magnesium toxicity, with possible symptoms including low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and vomiting. While no concrete research has demonstrated the benefits of magnesium oil, it is still a popular choice for a magnesium supplement.
