Does magnesium therapy alleviate insomnia?

From the Guidelines

Magnesium therapy is not a recommended first-line treatment for insomnia, as the current evidence is insufficient to support its effectiveness in alleviating insomnia symptoms. The American College of Physicians recommends cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) as the first-line treatment for adults with chronic insomnia disorder, as it has been shown to improve global outcomes, sleep outcomes, and reduce symptoms of insomnia 1. While magnesium supplements may have some benefits in regulating neurotransmitters and melatonin, the evidence is limited and not sufficient to support its use as a primary treatment for insomnia. Some studies suggest that magnesium deficiency may be associated with poor sleep and insomnia, but this does not necessarily mean that magnesium supplements will alleviate insomnia symptoms in all individuals. Key points to consider when evaluating the use of magnesium therapy for insomnia include:

• The lack of high-quality evidence supporting its effectiveness in treating insomnia
• The potential for mild side effects, such as digestive issues, especially at higher doses
• The importance of consulting with a healthcare provider before starting magnesium supplements, especially if you have kidney problems or take medications that might interact with magnesium. In general, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) should be considered the primary treatment for adults with chronic insomnia disorder, with pharmacological therapy considered only after CBT-I has been unsuccessful 1.

From the Research

Magnesium Therapy and Insomnia

• Magnesium intake has been associated with improved sleep disorder symptoms, including insomnia, in some studies 2, 3, 4.
• A 2018 study found that dietary magnesium intake may have long-term benefits in reducing the likelihood of daytime falling asleep in women 2.
• A 2019 study found that Magnesium-melatonin-vitamin B complex supplementation had a beneficial effect in the treatment of insomnia, regardless of cause 3.
• A systematic review and meta-analysis of oral magnesium supplementation for insomnia in older adults found that magnesium supplementation was associated with improved sleep onset latency time, but the quality of evidence was low to very low 4.

Mechanisms and Effects

• Magnesium supplementation has been shown to improve sleep quality and quantity, although the mechanisms are not fully understood 3, 4.
• Magnesium may play a role in relieving insomnia symptoms by relaxing muscles, reducing stress and anxiety, and regulating sleep-wake cycles 5.
• The effectiveness of magnesium therapy for insomnia may depend on various factors, including the dose and duration of supplementation, as well as individual differences in magnesium deficiency and sleep disorders 3, 4.

Study Limitations and Future Directions

• Many studies on magnesium therapy and insomnia have methodological limitations, including small sample sizes, short durations, and variable supplementation regimens 2, 3, 4.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of magnesium supplementation on insomnia and to establish evidence-based guidelines for its use 4.
• Studies should aim to investigate the optimal dose and duration of magnesium supplementation, as well as its potential interactions with other sleep therapies and medications 3, 4.