How to sleep: The mineral deficiency that could be impacting your melatonin levels

Snoring: Doctor explains how to sleep better at night

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Produced in the pineal gland within the brain, melatonin is released into the bloodstream and facilitates the sleep-wake cycle. However, research has found that the UK is a sleep-deprived nation. Adults are averaging around 5.9 hours of sleep per night, with only five percent of participants polled stating that they slept well. The study, conducted by Viridian Nutrition, found that a lack of magnesium was a “significant” factor for sleep deprivation. Produced in the pineal gland within the brain, melatonin is released into the bloodstream and facilitates the sleep-wake cycle. However, research has found that the UK is a sleep-deprived nation.

Adults are averaging around 5.9 hours of sleep per night, with only five

percent of participants polled stating that they slept well.

The study, conducted by Viridian Nutrition, found that a lack of magnesium was a “significant” factor for sleep deprivation.

Aimee Benbow, director of nutrition at Viridian, commented on the study’s results.

“Poor quality sleep can impact every aspect of our daily live,” she said.

“And the results of our survey has shown a vast amount of people are experiencing lack of energy and broken sleep.”

Benbow stated how sleep deprivation can impact a person’s “quality of life, coping mechanisms, and overall happiness”.

Speaking directly about magnesium and its role in quality shuteye, Benbow added: “Magnesium can bring significant nutritional value.”

Experts at the Sleep Foundation concurred that magnesium “plays a large role in sleep regulation”.

Magnesium is said to “help the body relax” and improves symptoms of insomnia.

Do I have insomnia?

The NHS stated it is insomnia when you “regularly have problems sleeping”.

Symptoms of insomnia include:

• Finding it hard to go to sleep
• Waking up several times during the night
• Lying awake at night
• Waking up early and cannot go back to sleep
• Still feeling tired after waking up
• Finding it hard to nap during the day even though you’re tired
• Feeling tired and irritable during the day

Finding it difficult to concentrate during the day because you’re tired.

On average, adults need between seven to nine hours of sleep every night.

Children, on the other hand, require between nine to 13 hours of sleep per night.

“You probably do not get enough sleep if you’re constantly tired during the day,” the NHS noted.

Foods rich in magnesium:

• Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach or swiss chard
• Nuts, legumes, and seeds, including cashews, almonds, peas, and beans
• Yoghurt and milk
• Tofu, soy milk, and other soy products
• Whole grains, like brown rice.

The Sleep Foundation noted: “Additional magnesium in your diet has the potential to help you sleep better.”

Two warning signs of a magnesium deficiency include: muscle weakness and tiredness.

“Anxiety and depression also correlate with low magnesium levels,” the organisation added.

Magnesium is also available in supplement form, but you must discuss if this is the best course of action for you with your doctor.

The Sleep Foundation advised: “Before starting magnesium supplements, focus on getting the proper amount of nutrients in your diet.”

Eating foods rich in magnesium can lead to other health benefits in addition to improved sleep.

Such benefits could include lowered blood pressure, reduced frequency of migraine headaches, and a lowered risk of diabetes.

Source: Read Full Article