If you have trouble sleeping, magnesium might help. This important mineral supports your muscles, nerves, and heart — and it also helps calm the brain. Magnesium activates a chemical called GABA, which relaxes the nervous system and makes it easier to wind down. People with enough magnesium often sleep longer and more deeply.
When magnesium is low, sleep can suffer. A deficiency can cause muscle twitches, stress, and anxiety — all things that make it hard to relax. It can also raise cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. Magnesium is found in foods like spinach, nuts, fish, and whole grains, but many people don’t get enough. That’s why magnesium supplements have become so popular for improving sleep.
Experts say magnesium can help, but it’s not a quick fix. Supplements seem to work best for people who are low in magnesium or have insomnia. For most people, getting more magnesium from food is the best first step. If you still have restless nights, a doctor can test your levels and help you find the right balance naturally.
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