As for the weird dreams, Wong has a theory: “Magnesium plays a role in the regulation of neurotransmitters, such as the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a chemical messenger that serves as the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter to reduce neuronal activity. GABA can promote deeper sleep, that is, REM sleep.”
And because most dreams occur in this stage of sleep, Wong said, “the increased frequency of dreams, which may be vivid or intense, may then be more easily remembered by the individual”. “However, most evidence linking magnesium and nightmares is not strong as they are commonly anecdotal.”
HOW DOES MAGNESIUM HELP WITH RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME AND MUSCLE CRAMPS?
First, some context: Calcium isn’t only used by your body to maintain bone health; it also activates your nerves and causes muscle contractions. It’s all good when you’re exercising or getting about your day; bad when you’re trying to sleep but your leg muscles won’t stop contracting.
Enter magnesium. It helps with “calcium channel regulation and muscle physiology”, which in turn, said PSS, minimises recurrent leg cramps and restless leg syndrome. The mineral does that by blocking calcium from reaching and activating the nerves that contract the muscles. The result: No more nerve-y sensation and muscle cramps when you’re trying to sleep.
HOW DO YOU TELL WHETHER YOU’RE DEFICIENT OR NOT?
“Most people can get enough magnesium from their diet,” said PSS, otherwise you’d notice symptoms of deficiency such as “a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, extreme tiredness and weakness”.
A severe lack of magnesium “may result in numbness, tingling, muscle cramps, seizures or an abnormal heartbeat”, according to PSS. “However, these signs and symptoms are not unique to magnesium deficiency and may be caused by other health conditions.”