Can Magnesium Help You Sleep?
By John McLaren, MD•
Insomnia
Millions of Americans struggle with sleeplessness. Fortunately, there are remedies that can be effective in preventing restless nights, ranging from lifestyle modifications to prescribed supplements and sleep medications. In this article, we’ll discuss how magnesium may play a role in sleep.
How is magnesium involved in sleep?
Magnesium is one of 24 essential vitamins and minerals. We consider it “essential” since the body cannot make magnesium on its own - it must be obtained through diet or as a supplement.
Magnesium is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body that affect the health of your heart, bones, and muscles. Additionally, magnesium is necessary to support certain neurotransmitters that are involved in sleep regulation.
Neurotransmitters are the “communication chemicals” released by our brain cells (neurons). Certain neurotransmitters may trigger neighboring neurons to talk, while others tell those same neurons to stay quiet. Although the effect of magnesium on neural function and sleep is not completely understood, we know that our brains require healthy levels of both types of these neurotransmitters for restful sleep and that magnesium helps to regulate this environment.
How to Fill a Prescription for Magnesium to Save Money
Magnesium is available over the counter, or by prescription. Depending on your insurance, a prescription for magnesium may or may not be covered. However, you may be able to save money by filling the prescription and using coupons for magnesium, rather than paying the cash price at the pharmacy.
Should I take magnesium to help me sleep?
If you’re having trouble sleeping, consult with your health care professional. Magnesium is a commonly ordered lab test. Low magnesium in your blood may lead to a prescription of magnesium to ensure proper bodily function, including sleep.
Please note that you should not begin taking magnesium without a prescription from your health care professional. Just as there are possible side effects with all prescription medications, individuals with certain health conditions and those taking certain medications should use caution when it comes to taking magnesium. For example, patients with neuromuscular disease or renal impairment should use extreme caution when taking magnesium. Serious side effects may occur with prolonged or inappropriate use in any patient.
Should I only take magnesium at night?
Magnesium can be taken anytime during the day. It does not need to be taken before you go to bed. Magnesium does not work in the same way that prescription sleep medications work, as it does not promote drowsiness.
What sleep medications are available if magnesium doesn’t help?
There are numerous alternatives to magnesium which may help you sleep. Melatonin, for example, is often recommended, as it is a natural hormone involved in sleep regulation and is unlikely to lead to dependence. There are also several classes of prescription sleep medications including nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics (zolpidem, zaleplon, eszopiclone), melatonin agonists (ramelteon), antidepressants (trazodone, doxepin, mirtazapine); and dual orexin receptor antagonists (suvorexant, lemborexant). Of course, the potential benefits of pharmacologic therapy on sleep quality and daytime function must be balanced against the risk of side effects and potential for physical and psychological addiction with long term use of these medications.
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Tips for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
If you’re one of the millions of Americans who struggle with occasional sleeplessness, schedule an appointment with your health care provider. Although sleeplessness may feel like a mere inconvenience or frustration, getting enough sleep is an important part of maintaining overall health and wellness. Remember, your body uses sleep to rest, regulate, and repair itself-- all of which are thought to help to prevent disease.
Ultimately, long term treatment with medication alone is not the optimal treatment for sleeplessness. In most patients with chronic sleeplessness, behavioral modification with sleep hygiene and stimulus control are paramount. In addition to scheduling an appointment with your physician, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Sleep only as much as you need to feel rested and then get out of bed
- Keep a regular sleep schedule
- Do not try to sleep unless you feel sleepy
- Exercise regularly, preferably at least 4 to 5 hours before bedtime
- Avoid caffeinated beverages after lunch
- Avoid alcohol near bedtime
- Avoid smoking, especially in the evening
- Do not go to bed hungry
- Make the bedroom environment conducive to sleep
- Avoid prolonged use of light-emitting screens before bedtime
- Do your best to avoid stress before bedtime
Lastly, it is important to understand that sleeplessness may have multiple causes; therefore, assessment and treatment of all contributing factors, including other medical conditions, are critical for maximum therapeutic benefit.
Ramelteon: 8 mg / 30 tabs Zolpidem: 10 mg / 30 tabs Mirtazapine: 15 mg / 30 tabs Trazodone: 50 mg / 30 tabs Zaleplon: 10 mg / 30 caps Eszopiclone: 3 mg / 30 tablets Doxepin: 10 mg / 30 capsules
Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens and Walmart as of 07/24/2020. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.
John McLaren, MD
John McLaren is a medical doctor who serves as a resident in Boston’s Massachusetts General Hospital, Child Neurological unit. He received his PhD from the University of Vermont, College of Medicine in Burlington, VT where he was part of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and earned the Herbert Martin Sr., M.D. Award for Clinical Excellence in Neurology.
The information on this site is generalized and is not medical advice. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard seeking advice or delay in seeking treatment because of something you have read on our site. RxSaver makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of this information.
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