4 hours Ago By Andrew Nuttall
Millions of people find sleeping at night difficult, and there are many reasons why—from busy lives to medical conditions. Sleep can be disturbed quite easily, which can have a huge knock-on effect on how we function daily. Thankfully, there are options for people who want to improve their sleep.
One option many consider is taking supplements to support what their body might be missing, especially if they have been diagnosed with a deficiency. British GP Dr Ahmed (MBBS, MRCGP, BSc) said there are two supplements that "almost everyone" could benefit from adding to their daily routine to help them sleep better at night. He said: "I've said this before many times - magnesium.
" He added: "I think magnesium is something almost everyone will benefit from. The type you take honestly depends on what you're using it for." The medic shared that he personally uses magnesium glycinate.
This mineral is available in tablet, gummy, and powder forms, depending on your preferences and what your doctor recommends is best for you. Beyond sleep, it might help with a number of physical and mental health conditions including anxiety, bone health and blood sugar. It may also help with migraines, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and muscle cramps.
Dr Ahmed said: "I take it just in the evening before I sleep to help me relax and get better sleep. Now, that is anecdotal [but] studies have shown it usually can help with sleeping anxiety but it's best to try for yourself and see if it helps you." According to the NHS , magnesium is a mineral we all need in our bodies.
It's produced naturally, and it converts the food we eat into energy and also ensures the hormone-producing parathyroid glands in our bodies are working to enhance bone health. Good natural sources of magnesium that might help alongside supplements include spinach, nuts and wholemeal bread. Adults typically need between 270-300mg of magnesium a day .
Overdosing on magnesium could lead to discomfort and, if exceeded by 400mg, diarrhoea . To find the right balance, please speak to your GP, who can help establish what dosage is safe for you and if yu are suitable to take magnesium. Dr Ahmed said the second suggestion "may surprise people" but claims it has given "amazing" results in combating fatigue in recent studies as well as decreasing the risk of getting dementia - creatine monohydrate.
This organic supplement also comes in various forms. It is often associated with those aiming to bulk up at the gym due to its proven properties in increasing muscle performance. But, it has also been linked to having longer total sleep and may may reduce homeostatic sleep pressure in those that have suffered from sleep deprivation .
The medic added: "Some people say they get a lot of side effects with creatine because it causes them to get diarrhoea, constipation or stomach pains. Often, that's because the product you're getting is not pure. "With any supplement, it's always important to research what you're getting and make sure you're getting the purest form.
That's not always easy because a lot of the companies you buy from aren't sure [either]." Before taking any new supplements, it is best to check with your doctor first. They can give you the best advice based on your medical history and are in the best position to tell you if there are any risks associated with using specific products—such as reactions to any medications you might also need.
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