Both magnesium and melatonin can be beneficial for sleep. One is produced by the body and the other must be ingested, but both can be supplemented to support sleep habits.
A 2011 study conducted on long-term care patients suffering from insomnia showed sleep quality improved in older adults when they received nightly doses of melatonin, magnesium, and zinc,
according to American Family Physician.
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Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain, functions as a sleep aid by helping keep the circadian rhythm balanced. "When it is light, the production of melatonin drops. Being exposed to bright lights in the evening, or too little light during the day, can disrupt the body's normal melatonin cycles,"
says the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Taking a melatonin supplement 45 minutes before bed can
"stimulate the sleep cycle" and help you get a better night’s rest, says Livestrong.
Magnesium as a sleep aid functions mostly as a relaxant. "Magnesium deficiency hampers the ability of the body's motor nerves, which carry electrical impulses from the brain to the muscles to send the correct messages," says Livestrong. So when your body has enough magnesium, it sends the right signals for calm and relaxation, allowing your body to more easily fall asleep.
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It's important to talk with your doctor before taking melatonin or magnesium for sleep, since they can have some side effects and interact with other conditions and medications.
According to Everyday Health, side effects of melatonin include drowsiness, depressed mood, irritability, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, and decreased sex drive.
Side effects of magnesium include stomach upset and diarrhea, but other more serious problems can occur when taking too much magnesium.
When determining which supplement, melatonin or magnesium, is best for your sleep habits, consult your physician. Trouble sleeping may be a sign of a magnesium deficiency.
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