Oral magnesium supplementation for insomnia in older adults: a systematic review & meta-analysis

Mah J, Pitre T · BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies 21(1):125 · 2021

Key finding

Magnesium shortened sleep onset by ~17 min; evidence quality low-to-moderate — cheap and safe, not miraculous.

Citation

Authors
Mah J, Pitre T
Published in
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies 21(1):125
Year
2021
Topic
Supplements & melatonin

Read the paper ↗

Related guides

Run one-variable self-experimentsEvidence tiers for sleep aids

Related studies

The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly500 mg/day magnesium improved sleep time, efficiency, onset and morning cortisol/melatonin in older adults with insomnia.Effect of kiwifruit consumption on sleep quality in adults with sleep problemsTwo kiwis one hour before bed for 4 weeks improved onset, duration and efficiency — the study behind Galpin's kiwis.Effect of tart cherry juice (Prunus cerasus) on melatonin levels and enhanced…Tart cherry juice raised urinary melatonin and modestly increased sleep time and efficiency.Preliminary examination of the efficacy and safety of a standardized chamomile…Chamomile extract showed modest, non-significant improvements in daytime functioning and sleep latency — level-1 design, small effect.Meta-analysisMelatonin shortens sleep onset ~7 min and adds ~8 min of sleep — real but small effects; it is a timing signal, not a sedative.

Track it, don't guess it

SleepShred turns this research into a 20-second daily habit: log your night, see which of your own behaviours move your sleep, and screen for the disorders nobody diagnoses.

Get SleepShred for iPhone

Educational summary of published research, not medical advice. Screening scores are not diagnoses. If a score is elevated or you feel unwell, talk to a clinician.