Magnesium is best for those with
“Essentially, magnesium helps set the stage for sleep by calming the body and preparing it to sleep,” says Harris. Melatonin, on the other hand, when taken directly, impacts your body's circadian rhythm and hormonal regulation of sleep.
Supplementing both magnesium and melatonin together would promote a longer, deeper, and more restful sleep. Magnesium would help nourish the metabolic activities in the body, as well as relax the muscles and nerves without unpleasant side effects as opposed to other muscle relaxers.
So, magnesium is safe to take for sleep? In essence, yes. A good, moderate dose of magnesium is about 100 to 350 milligrams daily, says Dr. Winter. That dose should be void of any side effects.
Both magnesium and melatonin are two supplements that may be used to support factors of sleep. And while both may be useful, they do have some major differences. Magnesium is a mineral, while melatonin is a hormone.
Magnesium helps relax muscles and calm the brain, which can help you to sleep better. But, unlike melatonin, it won't actually make you drowsy or feel sleepy.
Which form of magnesium is best for sleep and anxiety? Generally, magnesium glycinate is recognized as the best form of magnesium to help with sleep because it's easy for the body to absorb.
Melatonin vs Magnesium for Sleep
Magnesium helps regulate muscle relaxation, hormone production, inflammation levels, and energy metabolism, all contributing to better sleep quality. Meanwhile, melatonin helps reset your internal body clock, so you can fall asleep quickly and stay asleep for extended periods.
High doses of magnesium from supplements or medications can cause nausea, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. In addition, the magnesium in supplements can interact with some types of antibiotics and other medicines.
When it comes to getting more sleep, magnesium provided an extra 15 minutes of sleep. Research on melatonin has found it provides 21 minutes more sleep than taking a placebo pill. Looking at the sum total – literally – there isn't too much difference between taking melatonin or magnesium.
If you are deficient in magnesium, taking a supplement may help relieve symptoms and improve sleep. If you don't have a magnesium deficiency, taking a low dose of melatonin — about 0.5 mg to 5 mg — is more likely to help you sleep.
Regardless of whether it truly helps with sleep or not, Dr. Ramkissoon doesn't recommend taking melatonin long-term.
Natural alternatives to melatonin, such as magnesium, valerian root, l-theanine, chamomile, and passionflower, are all-natural remedies that have been used for centuries to promote relaxation and help people get a better night's sleep.
Research indicates that melatonin may shorten the time it takes to fall asleep, increase overall sleep amounts, and may increase REM sleep [4], [5], [6]. Few sleep-promoting nutrients enhance sleep and relaxation. Magnesium is a muscle relaxant and inducer of the deeper sleep.
A 2012 study of 46 elderly participants who were monitored over the course of eight weeks found that those who took magnesium did have some markers of better sleep — including increased melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm.
People with diabetes, intestinal disease, heart disease or kidney disease should not take magnesium before speaking with their health care provider. Overdose. Signs of a magnesium overdose can include nausea, diarrhea, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and fatigue. At very high doses, magnesium can be fatal.
Magnesium deficiency is diagnosed via a blood test and sometimes a urine test. Your doctor may order the blood test if you have symptoms such as weakness, irritability, abnormal heart rhythm, nausea and/or diarrhoea, or if you have abnormal calcium or potassium levels.
The lowdown. Medical research has linked magnesium to reduced anxiety. Magnesium helps you to relax by stimulating the production of melatonin and serotonin which boost your mood and help you sleep. Magnesium also reduces the production of cytokines and cortisol, which lead to increased inflammation and stress.
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Magnesium delivers natural energy at the cellular level without stimulating the nervous system. When you take magnesium, you have energy when you need it, but you can relax and sleep when appropriate.
Generally speaking, you will find that magnesium supplements start to work after one week of using them. After one week of regular magnesium supplementation, individuals may experience benefits such as improved energy levels, reduced muscle cramps, better sleep quality, and reduced anxiety.