Sunday, December 27, 2009

Magnesium Sleep

According to clinical nutritionists if you can’t sleep at night, have restless leg syndrome (RLS) or experiencing night terrors it might be due to a magnesium deficiency. A magnesium sleep deficiency causes people to wake up frequently during the night. Other health concerns due to a magnesium deficiency are; constipation, anxiety, irritability, pain, etc (see list below).

Researchers have found that magnesium takes part in the transmission of hormones (such as insulin, thyroid, estrogen, testosterone, DHEA, etc.), neurotransmitters (such as dopamine, catecholamines, serotonin, GABA, etc.), and minerals and mineral electrolytes.

This research concludes that magnesium controls cell membrane thus controlling the release of many hormones, nutrients and neurotransmitters. It is magnesium that manages the outcome of potassium and calcium in the body. A deficiency will only lead to calcium being deposited in soft tissues such as kidneys, arteries, joints, brain etc. and both potassium and calcium lost in urine.

Magnesium protects our cells from aluminum, mercury, lead, cadmium, beryllium and nickel. Low levels of magnesium can contribute to a heavy metal deposition in the brain that may be responsible for Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's. This heavy metal toxicity may bring about learning disorders in children.

What Causes a Magnesium Deficiency?


Due to many years of replanting on farm lands, magnesium is constantly depleted in our soil. Fertilizers also contribute to this depletion by altering the way plants can absorb magnesium. We are drinking less tap water which is a common magnesium source, but even this natural water source has low supplies. When we boil, steam or broil food it removes the magnesium. High carb and fat foods increase our need for more magnesium as well as physical and emotional stress. Certain medications, aging and dieting also reduces our magnesium.

A magnesium deficiency may be severe enough to be diagnosed by a blood test, but many researchers feel that a testing the bones and intracellular levels tell the true results. A high magnesium, low aluminum diet has shown to help with sleep, fewer awakenings or uninterrupted sleep. Foods rich in magnesium are kelp, wheat bran, almonds, cashews, blackstrap molasses and brewer’s yeast. Magnesium supplements have also helped those with sleep problems.

If you decide to take a magnesium supplement make sure it is combined with calcium as they act together as a sedative. The ratio should be 2:1 meaning at least 600 mg of calcium and 250-300 mg of magnesium. This combination will aid muscle contractions, RLS and is effective for all-round relaxation.

If you have any other health problems, it is advisable to consult with your physician before considering a magnesium-calcium supplement, especially if you are experiencing any type of kidney condition as this could be harmful or even life threatening.

The following are additional health problems associated with a low deficiency of magnesium for sleep:

  • ADD/ADHD
  • Alzheimer's
  • Angina
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Arrhythmia
  • Arthritis- Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis
  • Asthma
  • Autism
  • Auto immune disorders- all types
  • Cavities
  • Cerebral Palsy- in children from magnesium deficient mothers
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Congestive Heart Disease
  • Constipation
  • Crooked teeth- narrow jaw- in children from magnesium deficient mothers
  • Depression
  • Diabetes- Type I and II
  • Eating disorders- Bulimia, Anorexia
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Gut disorders- including peptic ulcer, Crohn's disease, colitis, food allergy
  • Heart Disease- Arteriosclerosis, high cholesterol, high triglycerides
  • Heart Disease- in infants born to magnesium deficient mothers
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Impaired athletic performance
  • Infantile Seizure- in children from magnesium deficient mothers
  • Insomnia
  • Kidney Stones
  • Lou Gehrig's Disease
  • Migraines- including cluster type
  • Mitral Valve Prolapse
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscle cramps
  • Muscle weakness, fatigue
  • Myopia- in children from magnesium deficient mothers
  • Obesity- especially obesity associated with high carbohydrate diets
  • Osteoporosis- just adding magnesium reversed bone loss
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • PMS- including menstrual pain and irregularities
  • PPH- Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
  • Raynaud's
  • SIDS- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
  • Stroke
  • Syndrome X- insulin resistance
  • Thyroid disorders- low, high and auto-immune; low magnesium reduces T4

As you can see magnesium sleep problems are just one of many health concerns with a deficiency of magnesium. Other conditions are also associated with magnesium deficiencies and further research is being conducted to confirm its relationship.
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27 comments:

  1. There are many forms of magnesium. Which one is best for aiding sleep?
    oxide
    citrate
    glycinate
    glycinate chelate
    malate

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dr. Mark Hyman states the most absorbable forms or organic chelates are magnesium citrate, glycinate taurate, lactate, glycinate, malate, taurate or aspartate, although magnesium bound to Kreb cycle chelates (malate, succinate, fumarate) are also good. Magnesium lactate is the best, most completely absorbed.

    Avoid inorganic salts such as magnesium carbonate, sulfate (epsom salts), gluconate, and oxide. They are poorly absorbed (and the cheapest and most common forms found in supplements). Magnesium oxide is the worst, by far, and should be avoided. Side effects from too much magnesium include diarrhea, which can be avoided if you switch to magnesium glycinate.

    Most minerals are best taken as a team with other minerals in a multi-mineral formula. Magnesium along with calcium, potassium and/or other sleep inducing herbs aid sleep.

    Taking a hot bath with Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) is a good way to absorb and get much needed magnesium.

    Magnesium malate provides malic acid which often helpful for anyone with muscle issues that disrupt sleep.

    Magnesium hydroxide is in Milk of Magnesia...typically it is not a good source of magnesium, as it is fundamentally a laxative. That means it remains in the GI tract and causes water to enter the gut and effect evacuation. But people differ. Very constipated people do not mind, if some laxative actions occur. Sensitive people would be troubled by it. If you have a positive response, feel better, etc..then you are probably getting enough for you. Relaxing muscles, less tension, and sleeping better are signs that magnesium is working for you.

    For many, foods offer a safe and easy way to get enough magnesium. When taking a supplement of magnesium, one has to consider how much one is getting from food.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Research is also showing that magnesium is deficient in epileptics and it is the the sole reason why seizures occur in the body.

    ReplyDelete
  4. The best way to increase your magnesium levels is transdermal . I use
    so-called magnesium oil, i.e. a solution of water and magnesium chloride, on myself and, as a massage therapist, in magnesium massage on my clients. It is not an oil, of course, but it does feel slippery and can be used either on its own or in combination with a good massage oil. Before applying it to the body it is best to dry-brush the skin to increase the absorption capacity of the skin.

    Works miracles! Only drawback for sensitive skins is that it might sting a bit but that passes quickly and you can always dilute the magnesium solution to suit yourself.

    Magnesium chloride should be available in any good health food shop.

    ReplyDelete
  5. How to catch your ZZZZZZZ’s | Lovely's BlogOctober 16, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    [...] primary care provider if you have health problems. This also keeps your GI system more regular! Find out more; This entry was posted in Skin Care Tips.

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  6. i started taking ZMA bodybuilding supplement and now sleep amazing, i used to sleep terrible and wake up 10 times a night. now when i wake to need to go to toilet i crash against the door posts, hardly can open my eyes and then return back to bed and carry on sleeping like never before. many people said it doesnt even work. for me its amazing. but this doesnt have calcium, just 30mg zinc 450mg magnesium and b6 (cant remember how much)

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  7. Magnesium Weblinks « Life's A Weekend!September 21, 2012 at 12:26 PM

    [...] Magnesium Sleep – jumpy legs? poor night’s sleep? [...]

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