Health Tip of the Week, sponsored by Baton Rouge General: Magnesium for sleep- fad or for real?

Some small studies have found a connection between magnesium supplements and better sleep quality, an easier time falling asleep, and fewer symptoms of restless leg syndrome. One thing magnesium is known for is relaxing the muscles, so it makes sense that promoting that relaxation before sleep could be helpful. It’s involved in making melatonin, the hormone that helps with your sleep-wake cycles, and can help regulate neurotransmitters related to sleep. You can get magnesium from many different foods, so you probably get enough if you eat a balanced diet. If you want to try a supplement, the recommended supplement for sleep is magnesium glycinate or magnesium citrate (be careful – magnesium oxide is a stool softener!). Learn more about magnesium for sleep.