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. 2024 Aug 17:8:100121.
doi: 10.1016/j.sleepx.2024.100121. eCollection 2024 Dec 15.

Magnesium-L-threonate improves sleep quality and daytime functioning in adults with self-reported sleep problems: A randomized controlled trial

Heather A Hausenblas  1 , Tarah Lynch  1 , Stephanie Hooper  2 , Aahana Shrestha  3 , Doug Rosendale  3 , Jennifer Gu  3
Affiliations

Magnesium-L-threonate improves sleep quality and daytime functioning in adults with self-reported sleep problems: A randomized controlled trial

Heather A Hausenblas et al. Sleep Med X. .

Erratum in

Abstract

Objective/background: Sleep problems challenge overall wellbeing. Magnesium has been implicated to benefit sleep, although the clinical evidences varied based on the magnesium source used. Magnesium L-threonate (MgT) is a promising intervention due to its brain bioavailability and effects on cognition, memory and mood. We investigated MgT supplementation on sleep quality and daily function.

Patients/methods: Eighty 35-55-year-olds with self-assessed sleep problems participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm study, taking 1 g/day of MgT or placebo for 21 days. Sleep and daily behaviors were measured subjectively using standardized questionnaires including the Insomnia Severity Index, Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire, and Restorative Sleep Questionnaire, and objectively using an Oura ring. The Profile of Mood States questionnaire and a daily diary were used to evaluate mood, energy and productivity, and record any safety concerns.

Results: The MgT group maintained good sleep quality and daytime functioning, while placebo declined. From objective Oura ring measurements, MgT significantly (p < 0.05) improved vs placebo deep sleep score, REM sleep score, light sleep time, and activity and readiness parameters activity score, activity daily movement score, readiness score, readiness activity balance, and readiness sleep balance. From subjective questionnaires, MgT significantly (p < 0.05) improved vs placebo behavior upon awakening, energy and daytime productivity, grouchiness, mood and mental alertness. MgT was safe and well tolerated.

Conclusions: This showed MgT improved sleep quality, especially deep/REM sleep stages, improved mood, energy, alertness, and daily activity and productivity. These are consistent with how MgT works in neuron cells and animal models, suggesting broader positive impacts on overall brain health.

Keywords: Energy; Magnesium; Magnesium L-threonate; Mental alertness; Mood; Sleep; Threonate.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Participant flow through recruitment, consenting, intervention and outcome measurement process.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Magnesium L-threonate (MgT, black symbols) showed significant (p < 0.05) improvements over placebo (white symbols) for Leeds Sleep Questionnaire (LSEQ) subcategory behavior following awakening (A); and Restorative Sleep Questionnaire (RSQ) subcategories grouchy (B), in a good mood (C), and mental alertness (D). Data shown are mean and standard deviation (n = 38 per group).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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