Magnesium as a Sleep Aid
Sleep is a critical nutrient. We need it to consolidate memories, to heal our bodies, to help regulate hormones and so much more. The importance of sleep is often ignored, while people are increasingly encouraged to loose sleep in favor of over working. To make matters worse, overworking, chronic stress, poor diet and lifestyle can all further contribute to difficulty sleeping. If you are having difficulty sleeping magnesium might be able to help.
Magnesium is a natural mineral that we need trace amounts of to be healthy. This important mineral is required for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, so you can imagine how crucial it is to make sure you are getting adequate amounts of this essential nutrient. Despite this, magnesium is one of the most common mineral deficiencies, since it is difficult for most people to get adequate amounts of magnesium in the average diet.
One of the major functions of magnesium is that it is a natural muscle relaxant. Often we can’t get to sleep because we are still buzzing with thoughts, stresses and extensive do lists. In this case what can help is something that encourages us to relax, which is where magnesium can help. Magnesium can help clam you by balancing stress hormones. Stress and tension are often reasons why people suffer from insomnia in the first place. It also relaxes the nervous system – Serotonin, which relaxes the nervous system and elevates mood, is dependent on Magnesium.