He recommends this to patients struggling to fall asleep at night
Getting to sleep can sometimes be hard for people(Image: kieferpix via Getty Images)
Millions of people battle sleepless nights for a range of different reasons, from jam-packed schedules to underlying health conditions. Poor-quality sleep can wreak havoc on daily life, but a doctor has suggested asking your GP about one tablet he takes himself.
More than 7.5 million adults (14%) sleep for less than five hours, placing them at risk for mental health issues, stress, and chronic physical conditions. These days, doctors will rarely give out sleeping pills due to concerns about people becoming dependent.
Instead, medics will usually champion lifestyle and dietary changes as a first port of call, before turning to natural solutions and, if needed, supplements. Supplements work to boost what our bodies fall short of producing – whether that’s particular hormones, vitamins or minerals typically sourced from our diets.
A blood test often helps physicians work out whether you’re lacking a specific nutrient, which could lie at the heart of your sleep troubles, reports Surrey Live. Posting online under the username @Drasays, Dr Asif Ahmed has previously championed two supplements which he reckons “almost everyone” would find beneficial as part of their bedtime routine to encourage better quality sleep.
He said: “I’ve said this before many times – I think magnesium is something almost everyone will benefit from. The type you take honestly depends on what you’re using it for.”
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Personal issues led Dr Ahmed to magnesium glycinate. This particular version of magnesium comes in assorted formats, including tablets, gummies or powders, to cater to individual tastes.
The mineral shows promise in tackling a wide array of physical and mental health issues beyond sleep improvement – including anxiety, bone health, blood sugar control, migraines, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and muscle cramps.
Discussing his personal routine, he explained: “I take it just in the evening before I sleep to help me relax and get better sleep. Now, that is anecdotal, [but] studies have shown it usually can help with sleeping anxiety, but it’s best to try for yourself and see if it helps you.”
Supplements might help if they’re struggling with a deficiency(Image: elenaleonova via Getty Images)
The NHS emphasises the significance of magnesium on its website, an essential mineral our bodies naturally produce. It’s vital for converting food into energy and supporting the parathyroid glands, which are crucial for maintaining healthy bones.
You can increase your magnesium intake from natural sources such as spinach, nuts, and wholemeal bread, as well as through supplements. Adults are advised to consume between 270 and 300mg daily.
That said, consuming too much magnesium can cause discomfort and, if people go beyond 400mg, it may result in diarrhoea. For those looking to strike the right balance, it’s recommended to speak with a GP who can advise on a safe dosage and assess whether magnesium supplements are appropriate for you.
Dr Ahmed highlighted a second suggestion that “may surprise people” but has delivered “amazing” results in tackling fatigue, according to recent research. Creatine monohydrate is a naturally occurring compound that comes in different forms and is typically linked with boosting muscle performance.
Most Brits are not getting enough sleep at night(Image: Getty)
But there’s more to it than building muscle, as creatine monohydrate has been associated with extending total sleep duration and may help to reduce homeostatic sleep pressure in people who’ve experienced sleep deprivation.
The doctor acknowledged that some users report side effects from creatine, including diarrhoea, constipation, or stomach discomfort. He suggests these problems often stem from impurities in the products being consumed.
Before adding any new supplements to your routine, it’s worth having a chat with your GP. They can offer the most appropriate guidance tailored to your medical background. They can also flag up any potential risks linked to particular products, such as possible interactions with other medications you might be on.