Adequate magnesium levels in the body are associated with better sleep, longer sleep duration, and less tiredness throughout the day. Taking magnesium with other supplements may boost their effectiveness and help you get more restorative sleep.
1. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, a plant-based substance that helps the body adapt to stress and maintain homeostasis (balance). Taking ashwagandha with magnesium can promote better relaxation and sleep.
Ashwaghnda helps calm the body and can be especially helpful for people with anxiety who also have difficulty sleeping. Magnesium helps prepare the body for sleep by:
- Calming the nervous system
- Regulating mood
- Relaxing muscles
2. L-theanine
Like ashwagandha, L-theanine supports relaxation and can help calm your body. Some studies show that taking it before bed can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and the number of sleep disturbances you experience throughout the night.
Pairing L-theanine with magnesium may improve overall sleep quality, due to their combined effects on stress and relaxation. However, most research on the synergistic effects of L-theanine and magnesium has been done on animals. More research is needed to confirm this effect in humans.
3. Melatonin
Some people combine melatonin with magnesium to enhance the sleep benefits of both.
Magnesium helps reduce stress and promote relaxation, while melatonin signals to the body that it is time to sleep. Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally in the body that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm). When it gets dark, your brain releases more melatonin to prepare your body for sleep.
It's beneficial to people whose schedules don't align with daylight hours, such as those working overnight shifts or experiencing jet lag.
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