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Most people don’t get the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. With the mind racing, bathroom breaks, and restlessness, many people struggle to sleep through the night. A lack of sleep may increase your risk for cardiovascular diseases, anxiety, and stress. So how do you get the recommended hours of sleep per night?
Magnesium oil may help. Magnesium oil may promote sleep by relaxing muscles. Is magnesium oil the next best thing to better sleep?
What is Magnesium?
Magnesium is created in our bodies to control blood pressure, manage our blood glucose, and decrease nervous system activity. Magnesium also relaxes your muscles and decreases stress levels. Proper magnesium levels keep your body balanced. Many multivitamins contain magnesium. Other than an oral form of magnesium, people are now using magnesium oil.
What is Magnesium Oil?
Magnesium oil is a form of magnesium that is transdermally applied to increase magnesium levels in the body. Transdermal delivery is when medication is directly applied to your skin and delivered into your bloodstream. Apply the oil directly to your skin by either rubbing or spraying it. Either method can deliver the same results.
Effects of Magnesium Oil
Relax skeletal muscles
Relieve aches and pains
Lowers stress and anxiety
Improve restlessness, including relaxing restless legs
If you feel that you could benefit from any of the above symptom relief, then magnesium oil may be for you.
How to Use Magnesium Oil
Magnesium oil is generally safe and easy to use. Read the recommendations below to learn more.
Recommended Location of Application
You can rub or spray magnesium oil on your skin depending on the type of product you choose to use. Many people use magnesium spray in their nightly routine. You may apply this oil anywhere on your skin. For the best results, you should focus on applying the product to areas of greatest concern.
For example, if you have restless legs at night apply the product to your legs. If you are using magnesium oil in general as a sleep aid, apply it to the bottom of your feet.
Recommended Dose
While the concentration of magnesium oil is usually harmless if used in excess, it is always best to read the directions on each product for recommended use. If you have specific questions about dosing, speak with your healthcare provider.
When to Apply
Apply magnesium oil when your skin is clean and your pores are open. Taking an evening shower and then applying magnesium oil immediately after can help.
There are many different ways that you can apply magnesium oil. One of the most common forms is magnesium spray. If using magnesium oil for sleep, try applying it after an evening shower to your arms, legs, torso, or feet. You can also apply it to other areas of the skin where you experience aches or pains.
Magnesium Oil versus Melatonin
People have been using melatonin as a sleep aid for many years. Melatonin is a hormone in our body that is made by a gland in our brain and affects our sleep cycle. Melatonin levels increase at night to promote sleep. Like magnesium oil, melatonin is taken at night to help with sleep.
Summary
Using magnesium oil to aid in sleep has become a common practice. You should apply magnesium oil or spray directly to clean skin at night for best results. You may find yourself sleeping through the night because of magnesium’s muscle-relaxing qualities.
Adequate sleep is essential to your health and should be a priority. Sleep can help decrease stress, anxiety, and your risk for cardiovascular health concerns. For more questions or information on this supplement, talk with your healthcare provider. Are you ready to give magnesium oil a try?
References
Chan, V., & Lo, K. (2021, January 13). Efficacy of dietary supplements on improving sleep quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis . Academic.oup.com. https://academic.oup.com/pmj/article/98/1158/285/6958842?login=false
Dominguez, L., Veronese, N., & Barbagallo, M. (2020, December 31). Magnesium and hypertension in old age. Nutrients. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7823889/
Gröber, U., Werner, T., Vormann, J., & Kisters, K. (2017, July 28). Myth or reality-transdermal magnesium?. Nutrients. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5579607/
Patel, A., & Shah, B. (2018). Transdermal Drug Delivery System: A Review. Pharmasm. http://www.pharmasm.com/pdf_files/20160701003517_20160509040411_02_manali.pdf
Zhang, Y., Chen, C., Lu, L., Knutson, K. L., Carnethon, M. R., Fly, A. D., Luo, J., Haas, D. M., Shikany, J. M., & Kahe, K. (2021, November 20). Association of magnesium intake with sleep duration and sleep quality: Findings from the Cardia Study. OUP Academic. https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/45/4/zsab276/6432454?login=false
This was a quick and informative read. I did not know that magnesium was being used as a sleep aid.