Magnesium Health Watch

Restless Leg Syndrome is one of several sleep disorders that has been scientifically linked to low magnesium and magnesium deficiency.  Studies have shown that increasing magnesium intake in patients with sleep disorders like Restless Leg Syndrome has improved their insomnia.  We also have another article on minerals and insomnia.

Magnesium supplements, along with calcium, helped improve the quality of sleep as well as shortened the time for patients to fall asleep. However, do not take more than you need, and take it early in the day, preferably at the same time.  Two smaller doses can sometimes be better than a single large dose so consult with your doctor or sleep specialist.  Also, be sure that your insomnia isn’t linked to another condition such as diabetes, hypertension, stress, dieting, or high cholesterol, as these can also lead to magnesium deficiency.  You can skip the supplements if you eat foods like nuts, seeds and dark leafy greens that are high in magnesium.

Why all of a sudden the need to consider our magnesium levels?  Apart from having a condition such as restless leg syndrome that affects our sleep, many of the minerals and nutrients we formerly received through plants or nature has been reduced through the use of pesticides.  So, we’re not getting the same needed levels of magnesium naturally that we used to.

“According to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Human Nutrition Research Center in North Dakota, “Magnesium plays a key role in the body’s chemistry that regulates sleep. This may be why persons with long-term lack of sleep, or abnormal brain waves during deep sleep, often have low magnesium in their blood…”

Restless Leg Syndrome Linked To Magnesium Deficiency.

Millions of Americans suffer from sleep problems.  It’s particularly common to experience changes in your sleep patterns as seasonal changes in sunlight can trigger sleep disorders.  We’ve been talking a lot about how to address sleep problems through your diet.  This includes B vitamins that promote wakefulness during the day found in foods like whole grain sand leafy greens.   Also, stay away from caffeine even several hours before bedtime.

Magnesium is one mineral that can help relax the body and help alleviate insomnia.

“Known as the “anti-stress” mineral, magnesium relaxes the body and calms the nervous system. Eat foods rich in magnesium–pumpkin seeds, almonds, and green vegetables–at or after dinner and take a magnesium supplement just before bed (combine with bone-builders calcium and vitamin D for best results). Begin with 150 mg of magnesium and increase if necessary.”

Eat Your Way to a Restful Sleep — baltimoresun.com.

There’s good news regarding the use of minerals in treating insomnia.  Studies have found that calcium helps produce melatonin, which causes sleep. One symptom of magnesium deficiency is chronic insomnia.  This condition was shown to be relieved with normal magnesium levels.  Keep in mind that balancing your calcium and magnesium levels is essential as one can deplete the other. (more…)