BLOG

Magnesium – The sleep mineral

Magnesium the marvelous mineral (and how it helps you sleep).

So far we’ve learned how magnesium can ease pain and block pain transmission as well as how magnesium can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of type II diabetes. These are just a few of the over 300 functions in your body magnesium is a part of.

Now let’s talk about sleep.

In order for you to fall asleep and stay asleep, your body and brain must relax.

Magnesium is well known for its relaxing effect on muscles. This function is what prevents so many people from experiencing leg cramps. Magnesium also helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system which is the system responsible for keeping you calm and relaxed.

Magnesium regulates your neurotransmitters (remember how it blocks pain?) which send signals throughout your nervous system and brain. It also regulates melatonin, a hormone which guides your sleep-wake cycle.

Also, magnesium binds to your GABA receptors. The GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) neurotransmitter quiets down nerve activity promoting a feeling of calm. GABA is the same neurotransmitter used by sleep medications like Zopiclone.

By calming down your nervous system, relaxing your muscles and optimizing your natural production of melatonin, Magnesium may help prepare your body and brain for a good night’s sleep.

Speak to the Live Well Team at Pharmasave Summerland about how magnesium will help you get a good night’s sleep.

Dan Cassidy, Nutritional Product Advisor (Registered)

Recent Articles

Socks as Medicine

Socks as Medicine Compression stockings are popular for their numerous health benefits, particularly in improving leg circulation and preventing various leg-related issues, including blood clots. These specially designed stockings offer a range of advantages that cater to individuals of all ages and lifestyles. Key Benefits of Compression Stockings: Enhanced Blood Flow: Compression stockings help promote […]

Movement and Your Gut

Movement and Your Gut You might be surprised to learn that the way (and how much) you move has an effect on your microbiome. Your gut microbiome is the collection of bacteria (probiotics) and other microbes in your intestines that affect your health in many ways. A study in the Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity […]

Happy Food

Happy Food After a stressful day, you might reward yourself with ice cream, chocolates or potato chips. After all, these snacks give you a hit of dopamine. Dopamine is known as the “feel-good” hormone. It gives you a sense of pleasure. It also gives you the motivation to do something when you’re feeling pleasure. There […]

Weight Loss and Memory

Improving your lifestyle and losing unhealthy excess weight not only benefits your cardiovascular system and self-image, but it can help your memory too. According to data presented at the Endocrine Society’s 95th annual meeting in San Francisco, subjects who spent six months losing weight (around fifteen pounds) through lifestyle modification showed improved reactions on memory […]