You may be familiar with melatonin – a chemical the body naturally produces to facilitate sleep. Melatonin can also be developed artificially and taken before bedtime to help you get to sleep. Magnesium, a lesser-known sleep aid, may be taken to produce the same effect.
And if you suffer from insomnia, you're not alone. Insomnia affects over 25% of the U.S. population, and it can have a significant impact on your quality of life. There are many factors which can affect the quality of our sleep, including stress, exercise and diet. However, several studies have shown that magnesium and melatonin promote a deeper, longer, more restful sleep.
One investigation was conducted by researchers who analyzed data from 446 people with insomnia. Participants were randomly selected to receive either 500 mg of magnesium per day or a placebo for eight weeks; at the end of this period, the groups switched treatments for another eight weeks. The results showed that those who took magnesium experienced an increase in quality sleep compared to those who did not receive it—and these positive changes were still noticeable after twelve months had passed.
Additionally, multiple studies have demonstrated that melatonin can support better sleep. It helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle and is often called the “sleep hormone.” A study of 50 people with insomnia showed that taking melatonin two hours before bed helped people fall asleep faster and enhanced overall sleep quality.
Another large meta-analysis of 19 studies in children and adults with sleep disorders found that melatonin reduced the amount of time it took to fall asleep, increased total sleep time and improved sleep quality. It can also be used for jet lag or shift workers who are having trouble adjusting their body clock due to changes in their daily schedule.
In yet another study, CBD, one of over 80 compounds found in hemp, was used to improve sleep and reduce anxiety. Unlike THC—the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis—CBD has no mind-altering effects or “high” associated with it. In fact, studies have shown that taking CBD before bedtime can actually help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. This is because it helps regulate your body’s internal clock to promote healthy sleep patterns.
These products are well-loved by people who suffer from insomnia or stress and can't get a good night's sleep. They report that the combination of Magnesium, Melatonin and CBD makes them feel sleepy and gives them the relaxation they need at night. And because it's a natural aid for a quality sleep, they don’t need to go through a doctor to get it - the ideal solution for poor sleep.