Magnesium has become the mineral of the moment, and if your mind races at 2 am or you’re juggling hormones, work, family and sleep, it’s easy to see why.
This piece on magnesium and midnlife sleep explores a simple but powerful idea: this tiny mineral is involved in more than 300 processes in the body, especially those linked to brain health, mood and nervous system regulation, yet more isn’t always better.
Magnesium can support better sleep and calmer nerves, but only when used wisely. For many women, especially over 35, the promise is tempting: fewer night-time wake-ups, less anxiety, smoother digestion, and even help with pre-menstrual cramps. One woman, Katie Curran, shares how magnesium glycinate became part of her turning point:
“My sleep definitely improved, I had more energy. I became more active… I think the magnesium supplements were an important part of the puzzle.”
That “part of the puzzle” idea is the heart of this story. Experts in the article stress that magnesium is not a magic bullet, and certainly not a replacement for a balanced lifestyle.
Dietitians point out that around 20% of women aren’t getting the recommended daily intake of magnesium, but they’re equally clear that popping a pill isn’t the full solution. Foods like seeds, nuts, whole-grain breads, leafy greens and fruit quietly deliver magnesium along with other essentials like vitamin C, vitamin K, fibre and prebiotics. One supplement can’t fix an overall nutrient gap.
The article also highlights an often-missed risk: mixing and matching supplements without guidance. Magnesium can interact with other nutrients zinc, for example, which can affect how magnesium is absorbed. Too much supplemental magnesium can lead to unpleasant side effects like diarrhoea and nausea, and for women with kidney disease, it can even be dangerous, raising the risk of hypermagnesemia, a serious condition.
For women navigating perimenopause, stress, middle-of-the-night wake-ups and the pressure to “optimize” everything, this piece is refreshingly balanced. Magnesium may help, especially if you’re genuinely low, but the smarter, safer first step is to look at your diet and overall habits, then consider a modest-dose supplement if needed, ideally with professional advice.
If you’ve ever wondered whether that little white magnesium tablet on your nightstand is worth it, or just clever marketing, this article is a must-read. Check out the full piece for the expert guidance, dosage tips and nuanced science behind this so-called “miracle mineral.”
