Insomnia affects millions of people around the world. Close to a third of men and women in their 30s and 40s are affected by it.
The biggest culprits of the sleep disorder are too much coffee after 3pm, insufficient amount of exercise and an excess overload of stress hormones.
Now, a new study suggests magnesium deficiency could be the reason you are restlessly tossing and turning at night, according to a report by Healthista. Researchers say magnesium applied directly to the skin can drastically improve the quality of sleep in 92% of deficient people.
Previous studies have found magnesium supplements can add to more sleep time and increase a hormone critical for the regulation of normal sleep.
Foods high in magnesium:
* Nuts
* Wholegrain seeds
* Green leafy vegetables
* Spinach
* Kale
One of the most abundant minerals in the body is magnesium. "It's responsible for over 300 biochemical functions in the body and sufficient amounts allow us to be more flexible, develop stronger bones, produce energy more efficiently and be better able to resist disease," nutrition expert Greg Weatherhead is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.
The role magnesium plays when it comes to sleep is crucial as it helps calm the mind and relax the muscles. "Magnesium is critical to many physiological and psychological processes that are essential for staying asleep," said Weatherhead.
"It helps improve sleep quality through its interaction with a neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).
"GABA is an amino acid responsible for reducing anxiety, promoting relaxation and preparing our bodies for sleep," he further went on to explain.
Signs of magnesium deficiency:
* Poor quality sleep
* Stress
* Anxiety
* Restless legs
* Joint discomfort
* Muscle tension and pain
* Muscle or eye twitching
* Weak bones
* Low mood
* Headaches
* Migraines
* Poor concentration
