Sleep better in winter with magnesium - how to support healthy sleep
The nights are long, the temperatures are low and it often seems that restful sleep is even harder to find in winter than usual. Many people toss and turn at night, startle awake because they struggle with nightly calf cramps or feel tired and exhausted in the morning despite getting enough sleep. But did you know that magnesium plays a crucial role in better sleep?
The essential mineral plays an important role in the sleep-wake rhythm, supports relaxed muscles and can help make it easier to fall asleep. Especially in the cold season, when the body is under additional strain due to stress, less exercise or restless nights, it is worth making sure you have a sufficient supply of magnesium.
Good sleep is not a matter of luck! With the right supply of nutrients, you can help your body to really recover at night. Because if you sleep well, you start the day with more energy. And that simply makes everything a little easier.
The most important things at a glance:
- Why is sleep often worse in winter? Less daylight affects the production of sleep hormones, dry heating air can irritate the airways and cold often leads to muscle tension. All of this can impair sleep.
- How does magnesium help with sleep? Magnesium supports normal muscle function, relaxes the nervous system and helps to regulate the sleep-wake rhythm.
- Which magnesium compounds are suitable for better sleep? Magnesium bisglycinate and magnesium taurate in particular have a calming effect and can make it easier to fall asleep.
- When is the best time to take it? Depending on the combination, magnesium can be taken in the evening for relaxation or during the day to support the energy metabolism.
- What else can help? A balanced diet, exercise in the fresh air and a good sleep routine support the effect of magnesium and promote restful sleep.
Magnesium for sleep disorders: Why it's so important
Our body is a biochemical miracle! All the processes in your body are perfectly coordinated. Magnesium, for example, is a mineral that is involved in numerous processes in the human body. It plays a particularly important role in normal muscle function, the cardiovascular system and the nervous system. But what does this have to do with sleep?
- Magnesium helps to relax the muscles and can therefore reduce nocturnal calf cramps.
- It influences the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates our sleep-wake rhythm.
- It has a calming effect on the nervous system and can help to reduce stress. Stress is one of the most common causes of sleep problems.
- Studies show that low magnesium levels can be associated with problems falling asleep and non-restorative sleep.
So if you don't want to relax despite being tired or you don't feel rested in the morning, it can be helpful to take a closer look at your own magnesium intake.
Which magnesium promotes sleep? Tips for taking magnesium for better sleep
Not all magnesium is the same! Depending on which form you choose, it can relax you in the evening or provide energy during the day.
Particularly suitable for better sleep:
Magnesium bisglycinate
A combination of magnesium and the amino acid glycine, which has a calming effect on the nervous system and can make it easier to fall asleep.
Magnesium taurate
Often recommended to support the cardiovascular system in addition to sleep problems. Taurine can have a relaxing effect.
If you want to improve your energy production as well as the quality of your sleep, you can consider the following magnesium compounds:
Magnesium citrate
Is well absorbed and contributes to normal muscle function, but is more invigorating than calming.
Magnesium malate
A compound with malic acid that is particularly suitable for people who suffer from tiredness during the day but still want good muscular relaxation in the evening. It supports energy metabolism without waking you up.
The right nutrient balance for better sleep
For a restful sleep, it is not enough to just pay attention to magnesium - other nutrients also play an important role in the normal functioning of the body. The calcium-magnesium ratio in particular should be balanced. If the body absorbs too much calcium, this can impair magnesium utilization and promote tension or nocturnal calf cramps.
A lack of vitamin D often means a lack of rest! Without sufficient vitamin D, your body cannot use magnesium optimally - and this quickly becomes noticeable when you sleep.
B vitamins are also essential: they support the nervous system and energy metabolism so that the body and mind can really relax in the evening. A good supply of all these nutrients can help you to relax better and start the next day feeling refreshed.
When and how much magnesium should I take before going to sleep?
Magnesium can be taken both in the morning and in the evening. Many people prefer to take it in the evening, as the mineral helps them to relax. The following doses are recommended by the German Nutrition Society:
- Women: 300 mg daily
- Men: 350 mg daily
If there is an increased need for magnesium, for example due to physically strenuous days or intensive sport, the amount can be increased slightly. Taking a magnesium supplement approx. 30-60 minutes before going to bed can support the transition to a restful sleep.
Tip: Magnesium can also be wonderfully absorbed through a balanced diet. Green vegetables, nuts and wholegrain products in particular contain sufficient quantities and are natural sources of magnesium.
Can magnesium cause sleep disorders?
In most cases, magnesium has a calming and sleep-promoting effect. However, too high a dosage can lead to gastrointestinal complaints under certain circumstances, especially if the intake is not adapted to personal tolerance. People with a sensitive gastrointestinal tract should therefore start with a lower dosage and opt for high-quality preparations.
Magnesium and sleep quality - the right combination for a restful night
In addition to magnesium, other factors also play a role in good sleep quality. These include:
- A regular sleep rhythm: Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
- Sufficient exercise: A walk during the day or gentle stretching helps to balance the body.
- Avoid blue light: Screen time before sleep can disrupt melatonin production.
- Combination with vitamin B6 and vitamin D: Both nutrients help the body to absorb magnesium better.
- A warm bath with magnesium salts: Relaxes the muscles and promotes inner calm.
Conclusion: A restful sleep with magnesium
Poor sleep doesn't have to be a problem! Magnesium can be a simple and natural way to improve your sleep quality, regulate your sleep-wake rhythm and ensure relaxed muscles. If you eat a healthy diet rich in magnesium or take a high-quality supplement, you can often improve your sleep quality after a short time.
Try it out and treat yourself to the rest your body needs - for healthy sleep in every season!
FAQ: Everything you need to know about magnesium and sleep
Can too much magnesium cause sleep disorders?
Normally not, but too much can cause digestive problems such as diarrhea, which can indirectly affect sleep.
Why should you take magnesium in the evening?
Magnesium and magnesium supplements promote muscle relaxation and help you to fall asleep more easily. It can also support the natural production of melatonin.
Who has an increased need for magnesium?
There is an increased need for magnesium in people with high stress levels, as magnesium is essential for nerve function. Athletes lose magnesium through sweating, as do pregnant and breastfeeding women, whose requirements increase as the baby grows. Older people often absorb less magnesium, which increases the risk of muscle cramps.
Gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease or coeliac disease can also affect magnesium absorption. People with diabetes, high blood pressure or osteoporosis often have a higher requirement. Anyone who suffers from muscle cramps or sleep problems can also benefit from additional magnesium.
Find out more about the influence of magnesium on the female cycle here.
What does magnesium do in the evening?
Magnesium helps to relax the nervous system and can therefore promote healthy sleep. People with restless legs syndrome in particular benefit from a regular intake of magnesium.
What effect does magnesium have in the body?
Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic processes in the body, including normal muscle function, the cardiovascular system, energy production and mental health.
How do I know if I have too little magnesium?
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency can include:
- Muscle weakness and cramps
- Restlessness and sleep disorders
- Headaches and concentration problems
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
What should not be taken together with magnesium?
Magnesium should not be taken at the same time as certain medications such as antibiotics or thyroid medication, as it can influence their effect. Make sure you allow 2-4 hours to pass before and after taking magnesium, depending on the medication.
How much magnesium should I take before going to sleep?
Between 150-300 mg is a good amount for most people to relax the muscles and calm the nervous system.
Can magnesium help you fall asleep?
Yes, many people report that they can fall asleep and stay asleep better after taking magnesium regularly.