I have been struggling with sleep recently, and while there’s absolutely no need to go into the tedious details, after a fair few months of clocking up inadequate hours, I had certainly started to look, feel and function like a lesser version of myself.
My skin, normally well behaved, has been blotchy, spotty and sore; my nerves and temper frayed (poor family); and we won’t dwell on my frighteningly diminished memory and brain power.
Anyway, just as I started to fear that marbles may be lost, I pulled up my socks and decided to do some of the things that I knew full well I should be doing, but wasn’t.
First up, I’m sorry to say that I have been polluting my sacred evening me-time with unreasonable quantities of average content, depressing news stories, and blue light, so I initiated a ban on screen time after 8pm, switching in my book and some somatic breathwork. I also decided to try Bare Biology’s Ready & Rested Magnesium Bisglycinate, £34 (barebiology.com) which had landed on my desk a few weeks prior.
So, off I went to sleep that night, noticeably more serene than normal, but, in all honestly, doubting that my plan would work. But here’s the thing: For the first time in months I woke up a full, undisturbed, seven hours later.
Moreover, as the days have passed, my sleep has continued to improve. I have slept longer and longer, more solidly and started to feel very noticeably calmer, more pulled-together and less anxious.
Delighted, I have bored my friends and family recounting this news, using the word “miraculous” repeatedly. The relief is huge, because with each day that passes, I feel like I’m slowly coming back to life; calmer, clearer and more capable. The difference is even visible in my skin, as well.
I am far from alone in my experience of poor sleep. The NHS suggests that one in three adults in the UK report struggling with sleep problems, with health implications that include depression, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and weakened immune function. So, if you’re one of the many millions of British adults suffering with sleep issues, you may well want to consider a magnesium supplement too.
“Magnesium is a fascinating mineral involved in nearly 300 biochemical reactions within the body whose benefits range from energy production through to brain function,” explains Shabir Daya, pharmacist, natural health specialist and founder of the excellent online supplement destination victoriahealth.com. “With such wide and varied uses by the body, magnesium deficiency is widespread in the adult population. The main reasons are two-fold; the demands for this mineral are often not met by our intake of green leafy vegetables, while as we age, our body becomes less efficient at absorbing magnesium due to a decrease in digestive enzymes.”
And while there is currently no accurate blood test for measuring magnesium levels in the body (since much of this mineral is stored, and the rest excreted out), some of the common signs indicating a deficiency include low energy levels, weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, frequent headaches and nausea. If this sounds like you, it could be worth giving these tablets a try.
That said, not all magnesium supplements are created equal - they come in different forms, each with different benefits and absorption rates. For sleep, as well as supporting the body’s stress response by calming the nervous system and promoting relaxation, magnesium glycinate is most often recommended, thanks to its effective absorption and gentle effect on digestion.
What are the benefits of taking magnesium?
- Supporting muscle and nerve function by regulating muscle contractions and nerve signals, which in turn helps to reduce muscle cramps, spasms, and tension
- Supporting bone health by improving calcium absorption
- Supporting heart health by helping to regulate blood pressure
- Supporting digestive health in citrate or oxide form by acting as a natural laxative
- Regulating blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity
See our guide to the best magnesium supplements to boost your overall health
Moreover, when coming to purchase your magnesium glycinate supplement, Daya advises seeking out a high-quality option containing pure, chelated magnesium glycinate for better absorption and minimal digestive discomfort, adding: “It’s important to check for third-party testing, transparent ingredient lists without unnecessary fillers, and reputable manufacturing standards. The best supplements often come from trusted brands with good reviews and clear dosage information.”
When I mentioned to Shabir my new found love for Bare Biology’s Ready & Rested Mag Glyc (as we now call it in our house), he wasn’t surprised, describing it as “Best in Class.”
Intrigued? I’d say give it a go. Just don’t forget the screen ban and the breathwork too…
