Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Improving Sleep Health Through Magnesium Supplementation

This study aims to discover if taking a 250mg magnesium supplement daily for 8 weeks can improve sleep for generally healthy adults aged 18 to 39. Participants should feel they don't sleep as well as they could, even if they don't have a sleep disorder, and have been identified as having low magnesium levels. We know magnesium can help people with severe sleep problems like insomnia, but less is known about its effect on general sleep health in people who just want to sleep better. Taking part involves wearing a special watch to track your sleep, visiting a sleep lab three times over about two months, and filling out some questionnaires. The goal is to see if boosting magnesium can lead to better overall sleep.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Northumbria University

Enrolment target

Start

15 Feb 2023

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Sleep Health

What is this study about?

This research is looking into how magnesium, an important mineral, might affect our sleep. We already know that our diet and how well we sleep are closely linked. For example, eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals often helps with better sleep, and in turn, poor sleep can sometimes affect our eating habits.

Specifically, doctors and scientists have noticed that people with low magnesium levels sometimes struggle with insomnia, which is a severe sleep problem. For these individuals, taking magnesium supplements can often ease their symptoms. However, less is known about whether magnesium can help people who don't have a diagnosed sleep disorder but simply feel their sleep isn't as good as it could be – perhaps they feel tired even after a night's rest, or their sleep isn't refreshing.

This study aims to fill that gap. We want to find out if taking a magnesium supplement daily for about two months can actually improve the sleep of healthy adults who have low magnesium and feel they could be sleeping better. It's about understanding if general sleep health, not just sleep disorders, can benefit from a magnesium boost.

Key takeaways

This study explores if magnesium supplements can improve sleep in healthy adults.
Participants must be 18-39, have low magnesium, and feel their sleep is not good.
You'll take magnesium daily for 8 weeks and track sleep with a wrist watch.
There are three visits to a sleep lab over the duration.
You will receive £50 for completing the study.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for healthy men and women aged between 18 and 39 years old. You should consider yourself a "poor sleeper," meaning you don't feel your sleep is good quality or refreshing, even if you don't have a specific sleep problem like insomnia. It's also important that you have a fairly regular sleep schedule, typically going to bed between 9 PM and 1 AM and waking up between 6 AM and 10 AM for at least five nights a week. Crucially, your diet should be low in magnesium, as this study is testing the effects of adding magnesium.

There are several reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have a diagnosed sleep disorder, a history of seizures, or have had a recent infection or used antibiotics in the last three months, this study wouldn't be suitable. We also can't include you if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. If you're a shift worker, have travelled across many time zones recently, or are currently taking certain medications that affect sleep or the brain, you wouldn't be eligible.

This study is for people who are generally well but want to improve their sleep and have low magnesium levels. If you're currently unwell, have a mental health condition or substance use disorder, or are involved in another research study, you wouldn't be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a healthy adult between 18 and 39 years old?
Do you generally feel your sleep isn't good or refreshing?
Do you have a fairly regular sleep schedule (bedtime 9pm-1am, wake time 6am-10am, 5+ nights/week)?
Is your diet generally low in magnesium?
Do you NOT have a diagnosed sleep disorder or other serious health conditions?
Are you NOT pregnant, breastfeeding, a shift worker, or taking certain medications?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be taking part for about two months (56 days).

Here's what you can expect: * **Online Checks**: You'll first complete some online forms about your health, sleep habits, and diet. You'll also give your permission to participate online. * **Sleep Tracking Watch**: You'll wear a special watch on your wrist that tracks your sleep patterns. You'll wear this for a week at the start. * **Magnesium Supplement**: After the first week, you'll receive a bottle of 250mg magnesium supplements. You'll need to take one daily for 56 days. * **Lab Visits**: You'll visit the Sleep Lab three times. The first visit is to collect your sleep tracking watch. The second visit (about 7-10 days later) is to drop off the watch, get a new one, and pick up your magnesium supplements. You'll also discuss your recent diet and fill out a questionnaire about any tummy troubles. The final visit (about 56 days after the second) is to return the watch, any leftover supplements, and you'll receive a payment of £50 for your time. * **Food Diary**: You'll be asked to keep a record of what you eat for a few days at the beginning of the study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially improve your sleep quality and make your sleep feel more refreshing if magnesium helps your body. We don't expect major risks, as magnesium supplements are generally considered safe. However, like any supplement, some people might experience mild digestive upset, such as an upset stomach or diarrhoea, especially at higher doses or if taken on an empty stomach. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care, if you decide it's not for you.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Northumbria Sleep Research, Northumbria University
Verified postcode
Newcastle, United Kingdom

Common questions

What exactly is 'sleep health'?

Sleep health means how well you sleep generally – if your sleep is refreshing, if you wake up feeling energetic, and if your sleep patterns are regular. It's not about having a sleep disorder, but more about the quality of your sleep.

How will you know if my sleep improves?

We'll use a special watch you wear on your wrist to track your sleep patterns, and you'll also complete questionnaires about how you feel about your sleep.

What happens if I forget to take the magnesium some days?

It's important to try and take the supplement every day as instructed for the study to be accurate. If you miss a dose, please don't take extra to catch up, just continue with your next scheduled dose.

Will I get paid for taking part?

Yes, you will receive £50 for your time and effort in participating in the study.

What if I start feeling unwell during the study?

If you feel unwell or have any concerns at any point during the study, you should contact the research team immediately.