If achieving a good night's sleep seems elusive, you're probably always on the lookout for new methods to enhance your sleep routine for deeper, more restful slumber. There's no shortage of home remedies, calming drinks, apps, and gadgets claiming to offer the ultimate sleep solution. For instance, a recent trend involves sipping "magnesium-infused beverages" before bed, with many users reporting significant improvements. But are these drinks truly effective?
At Eat This, Not That! we reached out to Dorsey Standish, MS, a professional with expertise in mechanical engineering, neuroscience, and wellness, and the CEO of Mastermind Meditate, to evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating a magnesium-infused drink into your evening routine.
What Exactly Are Magnesium-Infused Beverages?
TikTok users are enthusiastically sharing their recipes for magnesium mocktails, touting their benefits for relaxation and improved sleep. TikToker Ashley Flores shared in a video, "I have this mocktail every night, and it's a hit with my friends too. I'm excited to share it with you because it's a great way to unwind before bed." Her version features flavored water or sparkling water, like the Ginger Lemon flavor from Olipop, combined with tart cherry juice for its relaxing nutrients. She also adds powdered magnesium, a crucial ingredient, and garnishes with dried blood oranges.
Gracie Norton, another TikToker, has also joined the trend of these 'sleep-inducing mocktails.' In her video, she says, "I tried it last night and had the most incredible sleep." Her recipe consists of a teaspoon of magnesium powder and one to one and a half cups of tart cherry juice, which she froths together. She then serves this mixture in a wine glass over ice, topping it with Lemon Lime Olipop.
Do Magnesium-Infused Beverages Aid in Improving Sleep Quality?
While magnesium cocktails are visually appealing, their effectiveness is a key question. Dorsey Standish sheds light on this. "Magnesium is crucial for numerous biochemical processes in the body, impacting overall health," she notes. "Supplementing with magnesium can lessen stress and anxiety and bring tranquility to the nervous system. Some research indicates improved sleep quality from magnesium intake at bedtime, though further studies are needed."
For those keen on trying this trend, Standish recommends following Dr. Andrew Huberman's advice and choosing easily absorbable forms like Magnesium Threonate or Magnesium Bisglycinate. "You might also consider adding L-theanine and ashwagandha to your sleep mocktail for their calming effects on the nervous system," she suggests. Standish herself uses magnesium and L-theanine gummies post-dinner as part of her evening routine to relax and prepare for sleep.