Magnesium is one of the supplements that patients most commonly tell me they have tried to help improve their sleep quality. However, many people are unaware that magnesium comes in several different compounds, each with its own properties and potential uses (see image).
Anecdotally, magnesium glycinate is the form that people most frequently report has helped improve their sleep. However, the current scientific evidence supporting its use specifically for sleep remains limited.
However…
As with any over-the-counter supplement, if it works for you and you feel the benefits, that’s wonderful. But if it isn’t achieving its intended purpose after a reasonable trial, do not keep spending money on it. It is always worth reassessing whether it is providing genuine benefit rather than taking it out of habit.