The Role of Magnesium in Sleep Health: a Systematic Review of Available Literature.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review including randomized controlled trials and observational studies
PubMed 35184264 · doi:10.1007/s12011-022-03162-1
What was done
Authors conducted a systematic review searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science through November 2021 to assess the link between dietary magnesium intake or supplementation and sleep patterns in adults. Eligible studies included observational designs (cross-sectional, cohort) and randomized controlled trials evaluating sleep duration, latency, awakenings, sleep stages, daytime sleepiness, and snoring compared to low intake or placebo.
What was found
Across 9 included studies with 7,582 total subjects, observational studies suggested an association between higher magnesium status and improved sleep quality (reduced daytime sleepiness, less snoring, and modified sleep duration). Conversely, randomized controlled trials reported contradictory and uncertain findings regarding the effect of magnesium supplementation on sleep disorders. The abstract provides no specific numerical effect sizes or statistical values.
Why it matters
While observational data suggest magnesium relates to sleep quality, randomized trials have not consistently confirmed a benefit from supplementation. Routine magnesium supplementation for sleep complaints lacks robust, concordant trial support.
Limits
The abstract provides no quantitative data or risk estimates. The evidence base is small (9 studies total), combines disparate observational and interventional designs, exhibits contradictory trial findings, and is limited by short follow-up durations (less than 12 weeks).
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