The Effect of Magnesium Supplementation on Primary Insomnia in Elderly: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Key Finding
Magnesium supplementation (500mg daily) significantly improved sleep quality, duration, and efficiency in elderly insomniacs.
Plain-English Summary
This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of magnesium supplementation on sleep quality in 46 elderly adults with primary insomnia. Participants received 500mg of elemental magnesium or placebo daily for 8 weeks.
The magnesium group showed significant improvements across multiple sleep measures. Sleep efficiency, sleep time, and sleep onset latency all improved significantly compared to placebo. Participants also reported subjective improvements in insomnia severity and sleep quality.
Additionally, magnesium supplementation increased serum levels of renin and melatonin, hormones involved in sleep regulation, while decreasing serum cortisol levels. The study suggests magnesium plays an important role in sleep regulation and that supplementation can benefit individuals with sleep difficulties. Magnesium glycinate is a highly absorbable form commonly recommended for sleep support.