Melatonin vs. Magnesium: Which is actually better for sleep and mental wellness?

You know that moment when you've been tired all day and it's finally time to sleep, and as soon as your head hits the pillow, you're wide awake with anxious thoughts? Yeah, we've been there too!

Research shows that 36% of people with an anxiety disorder also have insomnia.

In search of a better night's sleep, people often turn to melatonin as a sleep aid supplement. While melatonin may support with regulating your circadian rhythm, it doesn't do much to address the root cause of poor sleep if you have anxiety or chronic stress.

Could magnesium actually be the key natural sleep remedy to a great night's sleep?

In this article, we delve into the differences between melatonin and magnesium, and which one comes out on top to improve sleep quality naturally, so you can get the most out of your money! Plus, you'll get a yummy Magnesium Mocktail recipe for better sleep. 😋

Melatonin benefits for sleep

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland in the brain. Its primary function is to regulate the body's circadian rhythm, essentially acting as a signal to the body that it's time to sleep. Melatonin levels rise in the evening as it gets dark and decrease in the morning when it gets light.

When taken as a supplement, melatonin can help people fall asleep faster, particularly those with jet lag or shift workers. However, its effects can vary from person to person, and some users report side effects such as vivid dreams or nightmares, and feeling drowsy or groggy the next day.

Magnesium benefits for sleep and mental wellness

Magnesium is a vital nutrient involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Sadly, as many as 50% of Americans are deficient in magnesium.

Magnesium deficiency has been linked to anxiety, chronic stress, and insomnia.

Magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitters like GABA, which helps calm the nervous system, and also regulates melatonin (so it kills two birds with one stone!).

By calming the nervous system and reducing stress, magnesium can promote relaxation and help the body prepare for sleep.

Not only that, but magnesium also regulates muscle contraction/nerve function, maintains blood sugar/blood pressure levels, and contributes to the production of proteins, bones, and DNA. Unlike melatonin, which only impacts sleep.

Moreover, magnesium has been shown to decrease the time it takes to fall asleep by 17 minutes, which comes out to nearly an extra 2 hours of sleep per week!

The best magnesium for sleep

Not all types of magnesium actually support sleep or address stress. 

That's why our scientists here at PYM formulated our Mood Magnesium with the three most research-backed types of magnesium to support sleep and stress. These are:

Magnesium L-Threonate

Magnesium L-threonate is a highly bioavailable form of magnesium (meaning it crosses the blood-brain barrier more easily) and has been found to decrease sleep latency, enabling individuals to fall asleep more quickly and efficiently.

It has also been shown to increase REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, a critical phase of the sleep cycle, during which dreaming and memory consolidation occur. This also helps improve learning and memory!

Magnesium Glycinate

This form of magnesium provides your body with glycine, which is an essential amino acid that your brain needs to aid in neurotransmitter functions. It is known have a high bioavailability (meaning that it is known be absorbed by the gut successfully).

Magnesium glycinate has been shown in studies to improve sleep quality which is great news for those who struggle with sleep and want to stick to natural remedies.

Magnesium Malate

Magnesium malate is a combination of magnesium and malic acid, a substance that can be found in apples, oranges, and other fruits. The malic acid ensures the magnesium is more easily absorbed by the body. Magnesium malate helps relax the muscles and relax your body.

Magnesium Mocktail recipe for a better night's sleep

If you're looking for a delicious non-alcoholic and good for you sleepy time drink, try this Magnesium Mocktail recipe!

You'll need:

1/2 cup of tart cherry juice (pssst: tart cherries are high in melatonin!)

1/2 tablespoon of Mood Magnesium powder

3 ounces of your choice of a prebiotic soda like Ollipop

Directions:

1. In a cocktail glass, combine ice, cherry juice and magnesium powder.

2. Shake for 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.

3. Pour the mixture into a wine glass or a cocktail glass of choice.

4. Top with bubbly prebiotic soda

Voila! So easy, you're on your way to dreamland 😴

The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. Please consult with a healthcare physician before adding any new supplements to your routine, especially if you are taking prescription medications.