3 reasons you may need magnesium for sleep
If you’re among the one in three Aussies not getting enough shut-eye, this is for you.
Not only does the amount of sleep we get influence our day-to-day wellbeing, research shows that getting insufficient zzzz’s can affect life expectancy.
Of course, we know all too well that the amount of shut-eye we get can impact pretty much everything – from mood to focus and productivity, to the sorts of foods we’re drawn to (fats and carbs when you’re tired, anyone?)
Despite this, data shows an astonishing 32 per cent of us aren’t getting the sleep we need, with women having more trouble falling asleep than men.
Add stress into the picture, and sleep can feel more elusive than pretty much anything.
How magnesium can help with sleep
There’s one natural solution to better sleep you may not even have dreamed about – and that’s magnesium.
This essential mineral plays a crucial role in tons of bodily processes, including nerve and muscle function, blood sugar levels, bone health and metabolism.
And there are also a number of ways it can help you sail into slumber, including:
- It ‘turns off’ wakefulness
Pretty important when it comes to achieving a good night’s sleep. Magnesium helps your body maintain levels of a handy little neurotransmitter known as GABA (or Gamma-aminobutyric acid), that encourages calm and stops your brain being stuck in “on”.
In fact, magnesium has traditionally been used in Ayurvedic medicine to decrease disturbed sleep.
- It helps you chill
We all know how hard it is to fall into the land of nod when you’ve got something on your mind.
Magnesium has traditionally been used in Western herbal medicine to relieve symptoms of stress.
And it may help improve your sleep quality by helping your mind and body relax, which in turn may help you fall asleep faster. We like.
- It helps alleviate muscle cramps and aches
Science has shown a link between muscle cramps, spasms, twitches and aches and magnesium deficiency.
That includes to the restless legs syndrome, which can lead to insomnia.
Magnesium supports muscle function and relaxation. Ease those tense muscles and sleep should follow.
The best sources of magnesium
So how do you ensure you’re getting enough of this essential whole-health mineral?
While the best source of magnesium is food (leafy green vegetables for a start, along with dark chocolate, avocados, nuts and legumes), statistics show about a third of adult Australians don’t get enough magnesium every day.
Which is where a magnesium supplement can come in handy.
Ethical Nutrients Mega Magnesium Night combines the brand’s own enhanced absorption MetaMag® with calming passionflower (also shown to help with shut-eye) to ease the mind and relax the body in preparation for sleep.
In a delicious mango passion flavour, simply stir into a hot or cold drink as part of your night time routine to relieve those restless nights and support healthy sleeping patterns.
* This post is brought to you by Ethical Nutrients Mega Magnesium Night. Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, consult your health professional.
