In the comments on our Facebook posts, people often discuss what supplements they are taking besides Glucocil. One that continually comes up is magnesium. A ton of our customers are taking it for sleep.
It is essential to take care of your health through different approaches. Lifestyle, exercise, diet, medication and supplements can all play significant roles in helping you stay healthy and feeling your best.
Magnesium can be a helpful supplement for people with kidney concerns. Of course, you should always speak to your doctor about your supplements and healthy routine to be sure you are taking the best supplements for your specific needs.
While it can aid kidney health, more and more people are taking it to aid sleep. The “sleepy girl mocktail” took off on the internet. The drink is a mix of magnesium powder, tart cherry juice and prebiotic soda people drink a half hour before bed. It brought magnesium to people’s attention as a sleep aid.
“If you asked me, ‘Can I try the sleepy girl mocktail?’ I would say, ‘Sure. It probably won’t hurt you, but start with a low dose of the magnesium,’” said sleep specialist Dr. Fariha Abbasi-Feinberg. She recommended halving the amount of magnesium powder to start.
There isn’t much research on magnesium as a sleep aid. It is an essential mineral that aids many processes within the body. It promotes bone health, energy levels, muscle relaxation and the nervous system. However, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine has no stance on the supplement — positive or negative — because not enough is known about it.
As it can aid muscle relaxation and may reduce anxiety, some doctors believe it may help people drift off more easily. “Whether it’s the placebo [effect] or actually, like just simply benefiting from the magnesium — I try not to worry too much about that, because at the end of the day, they’re feeling better,” Dr. Chester Wu, a psychiatrist and sleep specialist.
Dr. Wu did point out that you can get magnesium through food. Good sources of magnesium include leafy greens, nuts and seeds, beans, salmon and yogurt. However, supplements can be used to fill nutritional gaps and ensure you are getting a helpful amount.
“Supplements are exactly what their name suggests, they complement a healthy diet to help you feel your best,” said clinical nutritionist Jessica Sepel.
You can decide if magnesium is safe and appropriate to add to your routine by speaking to your doctor. You may be sleeping better in no time at all!
