What Type of Magnesium is the Best for Sleep?

Are you struggling to get a good night's sleep? If so, you're not alone. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 50-70 million Americans suffer from some form of sleep disorder. Fortunately, there is a natural solution that can help: magnesium.

Magnesium is a mineral that plays a crucial role in many bodily functions, including sleep. Studies have shown that magnesium can improve sleep quality, reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, and increase total sleep time. But not all types of magnesium are created equal when it comes to sleep and anxiety.

What type of magnesium should I take for better sleep?

The best type of magnesium for sleep and anxiety is magnesium glycinate. This form of magnesium is highly absorbable, which means it's easily absorbed by the body and can quickly start to work its magic. Magnesium glycinate is also less likely to cause digestive upset, which can be a problem with other types of magnesium.

On the other hand, magnesium L-threonate is a newer form of magnesium that is touted as being highly effective for brain health due to its unique ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and increase magnesium levels in the brain. It is believed to be more easily absorbed by the brain than other forms of magnesium, which could make it a good option for those looking to improve cognitive function. Magnesium L-threonate has also been shown to have some benefits for sleep, although research in this area is still limited.

When it comes to choosing between magnesium glycinate and magnesium L-threonate for sleep, there are a few things to consider. If your primary goal is to improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety, magnesium glycinate may be the better option. It is a well-studied form of magnesium that has been shown to be effective for these purposes.

If you are primarily looking to improve cognitive function and brain health, magnesium L-threonate may be the better choice. While it may also have some benefits for sleep, its primary focus is on cognitive function.

Ultimately, the choice between magnesium glycinate and magnesium L-threonate will depend on your individual needs and goals. It's always a good idea to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen to make sure it's safe and appropriate for you.

So how long does it take for magnesium to work for sleep?

It varies from person to person, but some people report feeling the effects of magnesium within 30 minutes to an hour of taking it. Others may take longer, up to a few days or a week.

When should you take magnesium for sleep?

The best time to take magnesium for sleep is about an hour before bedtime. This gives your body enough time to absorb the magnesium and start to relax before you hit the hay.

With a little help from magnesium, you can enjoy better sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. For a comprehensive approach to better sleep, it’s important to nail the basics like sleep hygiene and then turn to more advanced tools like Neurofeedback therapy and magnesium supplements. If you want to understand the root causes of poor sleep quality, Modern Age offers an Aging Wellness Assessment to give you personalized recommendations to improve your sleep quality and overall health.

--

About Cheyenne James, NP

Cheyenne is a Board Certified Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner. She's passionate about skin care and enjoys helping people look and feel their best! Cheyenne graduated Cum Laude with her Bachelors of Science degree in Nursing from The College of New Rochelle in 2014 and began her career as a certified critical care nurse. In 2020, Cheyenne graduated with honors with her Masters of Science degree from SUNY Downstate Medical Center, specializing in Family Medicine Practice. She holds certifications in facial aesthetics, injectables and weight loss coaching.

Learn more about all of our board certified Modern Age clinicians here.