From the Guidelines
Magnesium supplementation is not recommended as a primary treatment for sleep issues in children, as the evidence is limited and melatonin has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorders. The provided studies 1 focus on the effectiveness of melatonin in improving sleep quality in children with autism spectrum disorders, but do not provide sufficient evidence to support the use of magnesium supplementation for sleep issues in children.
- Typical recommendations for improving sleep quality in children include establishing a consistent bedtime routine, limiting screen time before bed, and maintaining a cool, dark sleeping environment.
- Dietary sources of magnesium, such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, can be incorporated into a child's diet as a natural approach to supporting overall health.
- If a child has a diagnosed magnesium deficiency, supplementation may be considered under the guidance of a healthcare provider, but this is not a primary treatment for sleep issues.
- Melatonin, as noted in the studies 1, is a safe and effective treatment for insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorders, and may be a more effective option for addressing sleep issues in children.
From the Research
Magnesium Supplementation and Sleep in Children
- There are no direct studies provided that investigate the effect of magnesium supplementation on sleep in children.
- However, studies on adults and general populations provide some insights into the potential effects of magnesium on sleep:
- A study on insomnia treatment found that a supplement containing magnesium, melatonin, and vitamin B complex improved insomnia symptoms in adults 2.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis on oral magnesium supplementation for insomnia in older adults found that it reduced sleep onset latency time, but the quality of evidence was low to very low 3.
- A review of magnesium's role in prevention and therapy highlighted its importance in various bodily functions, including neuromuscular and nervous system regulation, which could potentially impact sleep 4.
- A systematic review on the association between magnesium and sleep health in adults found an association between magnesium status and sleep quality, but randomized clinical trials showed uncertain results 5.
- Since there are no studies provided that specifically investigate magnesium supplementation in children, it is unclear whether these findings can be applied to pediatric populations.