Magnesium-L-threonate improves sleep quality and daytime functioning in adults with self-reported sleep problems: A...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Nutritional Science
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Sleep problems significantly impact overall wellbeing.
• Magnesium supplementation shows potential for sleep benefits, but evidence varies by source.
• Magnesium L-threonate (MgT) offers enhanced brain bioavailability and affects cognition, memory, and mood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of Magnesium L-threonate (MgT) supplementation on sleep quality and daily function.
• To assess MgT's impact on objective and subjective sleep parameters.
• To evaluate MgT's influence on mood, energy, and productivity.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 80 adults aged 35-55 with self-assessed sleep problems.
• Participants received 1g/day of MgT or placebo for 21 days.
• Sleep quality was measured using subjective questionnaires (Insomnia Severity Index, Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire, Restorative Sleep Questionnaire) and objectively via an Oura ring. Mood, energy, and productivity were assessed using the Profile of Mood States questionnaire and a daily diary.

Main Results:

• The MgT group maintained sleep quality and daytime functioning, unlike the placebo group.
• Objective measurements showed MgT significantly improved deep sleep, REM sleep, and activity/readiness parameters compared to placebo.
• Subjective reports indicated MgT significantly enhanced behavior upon awakening, energy, daytime productivity, mood, and mental alertness, with good safety and tolerability.

Conclusions:

• Magnesium L-threonate (MgT) supplementation effectively improves sleep quality, particularly deep and REM sleep stages.
• MgT enhances mood, energy levels, alertness, and daily activity and productivity.
• Findings suggest MgT has broader positive impacts on overall brain health, consistent with its neuronal mechanisms.