Because magnesium can help relax muscles and the brain, allowing for possibly an easier time getting to sleep. Since it can take up to 30 minutes for magnesium's effects to be seen, it's best to take it at the start of your bedtime routine. This may help with unwinding and calming the mind before bed.
About 30 minutes before bedtime, according to the Cleveland Clinic. A systematic review and meta-analysis published recently in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies looked at three randomized, controlled trials on magnesium for sleeping in older adults.
But magnesium in itself does not make you tired. Magnesium is needed for hundreds of functions in the body, not just sleep! For example, if you take magnesium in the morning, magnesium will work with your body -- if you need energy, or clarity and mental focus, magnesium supports those functions.
You may begin to notice improvements after about a week of supplementation, but do not waiver from your dose as directed. If you are using transdermal magnesium it works instantly due to the quick absorption through the skin, which bypasses the digestive system.
Magnesium regulates both of these parts of the nervous system, which can help ease a racing mind or tense muscles before falling asleep. Magnesium promotes melatonin production – Melatonin is a hormone your body produces to help you fall asleep and regulate your sleep cycle.
The time of day doesn't matter so much—it's the consistency of taking magnesium daily that matters most. While some recommend taking magnesium supplements right before bed (to calm your mind and nervous system, setting the stage for sleep), do what works best for you to ensure that it becomes a daily healthy habit.
Researchers hypothesize that magnesium may relax the central nervous system and cause chemical reactions in the body that increase sleepiness.
Generally speaking, you will find that magnesium supplements start to work after one week of using them. After one week of regular magnesium supplementation, individuals may experience benefits such as improved energy levels, reduced muscle cramps, better sleep quality, and reduced anxiety.
High magnesium levels (hypermagnesemia) can result from taking too many magnesium supplements. It can lead to lethargy, gastrointestinal symptoms, low blood pressure, and cardiac arrest. The body needs magnesium for more than 300 biochemical processes.
While this doesn't prove that magnesium alone can help with sleep, taking a magnesium supplement each night before bed won't necessarily hurt you. However, it's recommended that you see your healthcare provider before you start popping magnesium supplements at bedtime.
Magnesium glycinate is considered to be the most effective type of magnesium for bettering sleep, as it may help relax both the nervous system and your muscles. This product doesn't include any other added ingredients and is suitable for those seeking a supplement for both sleep and general use.
In large doses, magnesium could interfere with normal digestion, causing some abdominal discomfort or loose stools. However, these symptoms are only associated with excessive magnesium consumption. Under normal circumstances, magnesium supplements shouldn't cause dramatic symptoms.
High doses of magnesium from supplements or medications can cause nausea, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. In addition, the magnesium in supplements can interact with some types of antibiotics and other medicines.
Magnesium is important for many processes in the body, including regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure and making protein, bone, and DNA.
Symptoms of high magnesium include: Muscle weakness. Fatigue. Nausea and vomiting.
Magnesium may also reduce the absorption of medications such as blood thinners, anti-diabetes drugs, diuretics, and drugs used to treat the brittle bone disease osteoporosis, Cooperman says. “Check with your doctor if you're considering using magnesium,” he says.
How long does it take for magnesium to reduce anxiety? In most cases, magnesium starts working within a week, since it's a fast-acting nutrient.
For the most part, something in the range of 200-350 milligrams is the suggested amount.
The good news is that some studies (study links, a and b) have identified how magnesium may ease certain symptoms of stress and anxiety. Here are the facts: Magnesium may help to control the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) in the brain, resulting in a calming effect on the body.
The claimed benefits of magnesium supplementation range from boosts in everyday wellness — better sleep, increased energy levels and improved mood — to specific health benefits, such as lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease and improvement in migraines.
Magnesium is best for those with magnesium deficiency, insomnia due to stress or anxiety, or muscle pain and cramping. On the other hand, melatonin is considered best for those who suffer from circadian rhythm disruption, hormonal imbalances, or melatonin deficiency.