Magnesium Is the Secret Weapon You Need for a Great Sleep

Sleep is a fickle friend. It’s probably something you’ve struggled with too, especially over the last 12 months. In fact, recent research found Australians are losing sleep due to stress. If this is something you can relate to, have you considered trying magnesium?

Magnesium is a mineral that can work wonders on sleep and is widely used as a natural sleep aid. According to Healthline, magnesium is needed by every cell and organ in your body in order to function properly and is used in over 600 cellular reactions.

When consumed in supplement form or applied topically at night, magnesium can help both your body and brain relax — two things that are imperative for a good night’s sleep. It does this by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming the mind and body.

Magnesium regulates neurotransmitters, which in turn, send signals to the nervous system and brain while also controlling melatonin, the hormone that is responsible for guiding your sleep-wake cycles. A lack of magnesium in the body has also been shown to cause poor sleep, with studies using mice finding that low levels of the mineral can cause sleep disruptions.

When it comes to using magnesium as a sleep aid, there are two ways you can do this. The first is orally through magnesium supplements, usually found in the form of tablets. There isn’t a ton of research regarding the efficacy of magnesium supplements on sleep but if you’re lacking the mineral in your diet (it can be found in green veggies, nuts, cereals, meat, fish and fruit), it can be helpful to up your intake via vitamins.

The second is through topical applications. There are a number of magnesium sprays and creams on the market that can be used just before bed to ensure a better night of sleep. While each person will experience different levels of success with these products, they are worth integrating into your routine as holistic sleep aids, alongside solid sleep hygiene, to see how you go.