If you're looking to address constipation, magnesium citrate might be your best choice. If you're seeking relaxation and improved sleep, magnesium glycinate may be the better option.
Which form of magnesium is best for sleep? Because it's combined with an additional sleep aid and amino acid, glycine, magnesium glycinate is one of the most common magnesium supplements used for achieving better sleep.
Magnesium Oxide – A less-easily absorbed form that is commonly found in medications to treat migraines, constipation and indigestion. Magnesium Sulfate – Found in Epsom salt and absorbed through the skin, this can be some of the best magnesium powder for sleep, as well as easing aches and pains.
The best way to use magnesium for getting quality sleep is to take it 30 minutes before bedtime. You should take the recommended dose of 300 to 400 milligrams of magnesium daily to get quality sleep. Taking the recommended dose of magnesium regularly may improve your sleep quality by helping your mind and body relax.
While a healthy kidney is capable of excreting excess magnesium, a damaged kidney may not have this same advantage. Thus, individuals with heart or kidney problems (e.g., chronic kidney disease) should especially get approval from their provider before using the supplement.
Risks of long-term use: While Magnesium Glycinate is generally considered safe in the short term, there is some evidence to suggest that long-term use of magnesium supplements could potentially lead to health issues.
Avoid magnesium oxide, which is a stool softener and probably much less helpful for your insomnia. Dr. Umeda recommends taking the supplement about 30 minutes before bedtime. And don't take more than the recommended amount.
Magnesium glycinate/glycerophosphate - best for sleep and anxiety. Magnesium glycerophosphate is ideal for stress relief and sleep. Glycerophosphate has the lowest rate of diarrhea, as compared to other forms of magnesium.
While this doesn't prove that magnesium alone can help with sleep, taking a magnesium supplement each night before bed won't necessarily hurt you. However, it's recommended that you see your healthcare provider before you start popping magnesium supplements at bedtime.
Magnesium glycinate -- Magnesium glycinate (magnesium bound with glycine, a non-essential amino acid) is one of the most bioavailable and absorbable forms of magnesium, and also the least likely to induce diarrhea. It is the safest option for correcting a long-term deficiency.
The time of day doesn't matter so much—it's the consistency of taking magnesium daily that matters most. While some recommend taking magnesium supplements right before bed (to calm your mind and nervous system, setting the stage for sleep), do what works best for you to ensure that it becomes a daily healthy habit.
Magnesium Glycinate
It's best taken at night before bed.
How long does it take for magnesium to work for sleep? The benefits of magnesium are often associated with long-term use, so it's important to take your supplement consistently. We recommend daily use for at least three months to see the full effects on sleep.
Because magnesium can help relax muscles and the brain, allowing for possibly an easier time getting to sleep. Since it can take up to 30 minutes for magnesium's effects to be seen, it's best to take it at the start of your bedtime routine.
Research into how magnesium glycinate helps regulate your sleep is relatively new. While there has been some data to suggest magnesium supplements can help you relax and boost your mood, current research suggests that they may also help people with insomnia.
Magnesium may also reduce the absorption of medications such as blood thinners, anti-diabetes drugs, diuretics, and drugs used to treat the brittle bone disease osteoporosis, Cooperman says. “Check with your doctor if you're considering using magnesium,” he says.
Magnesium glycinate is a type of magnesium supplement. Aside from magnesium deficiency, magnesium supplements have a few potential uses, including heart-related conditions, high blood sugar, bone health, migraines, and depression.
Magnesium citrate is a more common choice if you want to maintain magnesium levels for general whole-body health. On the other hand, magnesium glycinate has less bioavailability but can have a calming effect.
Taking large or frequent doses of dietary magnesium supplements, including magnesium glycinate, can cause adverse effects, including diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. Extremely high intakes of magnesium can lead to an irregular heartbeat and potentially a cardiac arrest, which can be dangerous.
Some products that may interact with this drug are: cellulose sodium phosphate, digoxin, sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Magnesium can bind with certain medications, preventing their full absorption.
Taking magnesium supplements can bring a range of side effects, such as drowsiness or fatigue during the day, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, skin flushing or diarrhea, Gurubhagavatula said.