The Magic Of Magnesium For Better Sleep And Relaxation

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We're becoming increasingly deficient due to poor diets, which include nutrient-poor ultra-processed foods. Even the magnesium-rich vegetables, such as leafy greens, that we consume offer much less than they did previously. "Over the years our soil has become so over-tilled that the magnesium we usually get from our food has decreased," clinical psychologist and sleep medicine expert, Dr Michael Breus , adds. "Often, supplementation can be a great help to counteract any deficiencies."

One of its key benefits is to improve insomnia and other sleep issues. "Magnesium helps sleep in three main ways," Dean begins. "It supports our adrenal glands, which are overworked by stress," she says. "Secondly, serotonin – a key hormone that regulates our sleep and mood – depends on magnesium for its production and function," she says. "Insomnia is often greatly improved by magnesium therapy."

Its ability to relax our muscles is also key. "Twitchy, restless, tense muscles keep you from falling into a deep sleep and make you hyper alert," she says. Dr Breus agrees, emphasising the importance of keeping your GABA stable to catch some Zzzs. "Magnesium helps maintain healthy levels of GABA, which is a neurotransmitter that promotes deep, restorative sleep."