Question
"I struggle with my sleep, and I've been told that magnesium might help me drift off more easily and get more deep sleep. Is this true?"
Answer
"Although many factors influence the onset and quality of sleep, from stress and gut health to daily routine, magnesium plays a central role, which is why it is often referred to as the 'wonder mineral' for sleep.
"Magnesium helps calm the brain and supports the nervous system's ability to shift from alertness to rest. It regulates communication between brain cells by balancing excitatory ('busy') and inhibitory ('calming') signals. In doing so, it reduces over-stimulation in the nervous system and supports GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps with relaxation, thus allowing the brain to settle more easily in the evening. Low magnesium levels have been linked to increased activity of stress hormones, which can keep the body in a heightened state of alertness at night.
"The mineral also plays a role in regulating the body's internal clock and supports the production of melatonin, the hormone that signals when it's time to sleep. Rather than acting as a sedative, magnesium works by supporting the body's natural sleep processes, allowing rest and recovery to occur efficiently.
"It's found naturally in foods such as leafy green vegetables (like spinach), nuts and seeds (especially pumpkin seeds and almonds), wholegrains, legumes, dark chocolate and avocados. However, modern diets, ongoing stress and increased demands on the body can make it harder to meet requirements consistently. In practice, many women report noticeable improvements when magnesium levels are restored."
Do you have a question for a health and wellness expert? Send it to us on Instagram @strongwomenuk, and it might be answered in the next newsletter.
Commentaires
Enregistrer un commentaire
Thank you to leave a comment on my site