If you're looking to address constipation, magnesium citrate might be your best choice. If you're seeking relaxation and improved sleep, magnesium glycinate may be the better option.
Which form of magnesium is best for sleep? Because it's combined with an additional sleep aid and amino acid, glycine, magnesium glycinate is one of the most common magnesium supplements used for achieving better sleep.
Magnesium Oxide – A less-easily absorbed form that is commonly found in medications to treat migraines, constipation and indigestion. Magnesium Sulfate – Found in Epsom salt and absorbed through the skin, this can be some of the best magnesium powder for sleep, as well as easing aches and pains.
Magnesium Glycinate
Glycine is an essential amino acid that has important neurotransmitter functions in the brain. Glycine supplementation can improve the quality of sleep, making this form of magnesium a good choice for those with insomnia.
Three weeks in, I felt great; and after a month, I was getting what I have since been calling the best sleep of my life. (I've noticed excellent sleep for about three months now.) Bressack says she's witnessed many of her clients experience a restful effect of magnesium after “just a few days—not too long.”
Reduced symptoms of insomnia and anxiety: Magnesium Glycinate has been found to reduce symptoms of insomnia and anxiety, which are often major contributors to sleep issues. It works by promoting relaxation and calmness in the body, which can help individuals fall asleep more easily and stay asleep throughout the night.
One study. View Source of older adults with insomnia found that magnesium supplementation at a dose of 500 milligrams daily for eight weeks helped them fall asleep fast, stay asleep longer, reduced nighttime awakenings, and increased their levels of naturally circulating melatonin.
Magnesium is often touted as an antidote to poor sleep. But while some doctors say it is fine to take it in supplemental form for certain sleep disruptions, like those caused by restless legs syndrome, the evidence for its sleep-inducing benefits is thin.
Magnesium glycinate is one of the preferred magnesium supplements that may help with sleeplessness, tense muscles and anxiety, adds Hartnett.
Magnesium glycinate -- Magnesium glycinate (magnesium bound with glycine, a non-essential amino acid) is one of the most bioavailable and absorbable forms of magnesium, and also the least likely to induce diarrhea. It is the safest option for correcting a long-term deficiency.
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.
Taking large or frequent doses of dietary magnesium supplements, including magnesium glycinate, can cause adverse effects, including diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. Extremely high intakes of magnesium can lead to an irregular heartbeat and potentially a cardiac arrest, which can be dangerous.
Magnesium Glycinate
It's best taken at night before bed.
The best way to use magnesium for getting quality sleep is to take it 30 minutes before bedtime. You should take the recommended dose of 300 to 400 milligrams of magnesium daily to get quality sleep. Taking the recommended dose of magnesium regularly may improve your sleep quality by helping your mind and body relax.
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.
While most social media wellness trends raise questions as to the long-term benefits, health experts agree that additional magnesium can help maximize your health and be more beneficial for a good night's sleep than traditional melatonin supplements.
For individuals who need to take magnesium supplements, there is some encouraging news. Contrary to popular belief, these supplements do not cause weight gain. In fact, having higher levels of magnesium in the body can facilitate weight loss and aid in maintaining a healthy physique.
Magnesium glycinate is the magnesium salt of glycine, which is sold as a dietary supplement. The key difference between magnesium and magnesium glycinate is that magnesium is a chemical element having the symbol Mg whereas magnesium glycinate is a chemical compound having the chemical formula C4H8MgN2O4.
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.