Magnesium for Insomnia.
Low levels of magnesium can cause troubled sleep and even insomnia. What are the benefits of magnesium for insomnia?
Magnesium is used by the body to combat stress, which is a major cause of depression and sleeplessness. Stress depletes magnesium that is stored in the bones, so increasing your intake of this mineral will have a positive impact on your stress levels and thus your sleep. Magnesium has also been shown to help alleviate anxiety and depression, both of which can negatively affect sleep.
How does Magnesium Promote Sleep?
Depletion of magnesium reserves can lead to the onset of insomnia. Studies have shown that optimal levels of magnesium are needed for normal sleep. Not only can magnesium help you get to sleep, but it plays a part in helping you achieve deep and restful sleep.
In order to fall asleep and stay asleep, your body and brain need to relax. On a chemical level, magnesium aids this process by triggering the parasympathetic nervous system; the system responsible for getting you calm and relaxed. First, magnesium regulates neurotransmitters, which transmit signals throughout the nervous system and brain. It also regulates the hormone melatonin, which guides sleep-wake cycles in your body. Furthermore, this mineral binds to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA GABA) receptors. GABA is the neurotransmitter responsible for quieting down nervousness. It’s the same neurotransmitter used by sleep pharmaceuticals like Ambien.
By helping to quiet the nervous system in this way, magnesium may help prepare your body and mind for sleep.
Magnesium is good for the brain and central nervous system
Another of the reasons why magnesium can promote good sleep is that it plays a significant role in the central nervous system. It helps to regulate nerve pathways, enzymes, hormones and the neurotransmitters that are responsible for mood. When the synaptic functions of the central nervous system are impeded, depression and anxiety can set in, causing insomnia/sleep deprivation. Magnesium helps to improve the synapses and regulate mood.
Unfortunately, your body may not be getting the magnesium required to help you sleep from your diet alone, making magnesium supplements necessary. Magnesium supplementation is affordable and safe. However, it may interact with certain medications so always consult your doctor before trying magnesium supplements for insomnia. It is worth trying supplementation for a few weeks to see if you notice any changes in your sleep and wellbeing.
Try our Mag 2 powder- a delicious daily supplement that contains 250mg of elemental magnesium. Simply add it to food, smoothies or a glass of cold water and get your health back.