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3 ways to fall asleep faster
Over the past few months I’ve been struggling to fall asleep. I used to be the sort of person who could sleep the minute my head hit the pillow, so...
Magnesium Supplements
Contrary to popular belief (and marketing), magnesium isn’t just for sleep. There are twelve supplemental forms. Ready & Rested uses bisglycinate—an energy-balancing mineral that reduces fatigue, calms the nervous system, and supports hormone function. If you aren’t chugging 100g of almonds a day, you might be low. Gentle on the tummy and easy to absorb, it helps you actually rest.
Magnesium (Mg) is a natural mineral found in the earth's crust, the sea, and all over your body, including your muscles, bones, and brain. Alongside calcium and potassium, it is essential for keeping humans bobbing along. Unlike other minerals, magnesium is harder to add to our food. This may explain why nearly half the U.S. population is thought to be deficient. That matters because magnesium is the Swiss Army knife of minerals. It fuels your cells, smooths out nerve signals, and down-regulates activity in the brain when it's time to switch off. It's a proper multitasking mineral.
There are twelve types of magnesium, each affecting the body differently. Ready & Rested uses magnesium bisglycinate, which is easily absorbed by the body. This form is more likely to reach your brain and nervous system, where it’s proven to calm overactivity and help keep your nervous system functioning smoothly. In short, this is the magnesium for those who fall into the 'dangerously close to reaching my limit' category.
You’ll often read that magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. Why does that matter? Because it means magnesium is used in a wide range of processes throughout your body. Keeping your magnesium levels topped up is essential for Muscle Function and Recovery, supporting Heart and Bone Health, and aiding Energy Production and Metabolism. Perhaps most importantly, magnesium is proven to have a Calming Effect on the Nervous System. In short, magnesium is kind of a big deal in the mineral world.
If you think you might be low in magnesium—fatigue, muscle cramps—start with 3 Ready & Rested capsules (375 mg). That’s 100% of your recommended daily intake. It’s worth noting that magnesium deficiency can often be subtle and go unchecked.
For the energy seekers: start by taking it in the morning to help get you started.
For the sleep-deprived: encourage your brain to rest by taking it closer to bedtime.
Pay attention to how your body feels and adjust as you see fit.
To keep your body humming, so to speak, spread your dose throughout the day to avoid any bumps or humps. Where possible, take it with your meals. This way, you’re helping ensure it reaches the parts other minerals fail to reach.
We bare all. So you can relax.
There are many approved health claims for magnesium supplements which are:
The more we move, the more we sweat, the more magnesium we need. You can read the studies if you have any doubt. It's also true that women, in particular, can benefit from magnesium to help support muscle mass retention—especially as we age and our muscle metabolism changes. Take that, hormones.
Magnesium is not a sleeping pill, but research has shown that low magnesium levels are common in populations experiencing high levels of stress. There's growing evidence that supplementing with magnesium can help support anxiety and reduce psychological stress. Now, that might make you sleep easier.
We can't promise magnesium will have you leaping out of bed tomorrow. However, upping your magnesium levels might help support your body's energy production systems. Magnesium plays a key role in producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the body's energy molecule, which stores and provides energy at the cellular level. By binding to ATP molecules, magnesium helps them work efficiently as an energy source. Research suggests that magnesium may support energy regulation in some populations. Patients with chronic fatigue who took magnesium reported improvements in both their energy levels and emotional well-being. One study even advised doctors to check magnesium levels in older patients who experience daytime sleepiness, as low magnesium could be a contributing factor.
As we age, bone density and strength become increasingly important as we naturally weaken (groan). One study found that people with higher magnesium levels tended to have greater bone density. And in reverse, those with low magnesium levels were over 9 times more likely to experience bone fractures compared to those with normal magnesium levels.
Magnesium is good for the heart, too. A review of several studies found that larger doses of magnesium helped lower blood pressure, and particularly in individuals with uncontrolled or untreated high blood pressure, as well as those with type 2 diabetes.
Add this to omega-3 for a powerful heart health combination.
Magnesium Supplement FAQs
What are the main benefits of taking magnesium bisglycinate?
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How much magnesium should I take a day?
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for magnesium varies by age and sex, but for most adults, it's around 300–400 mg per day. If you're experiencing symptoms of low magnesium, you could start with 3 Ready & Rested capsules (375 mg). Pay attention to how your body feels and adjust the dosage as needed.
What is the difference between magnesium bisglycinate and other types of magnesium?
Magnesium bisglycinate is gentler on the digestive system and easier for your body to absorb compared to other forms of magnesium. This makes it a great option for supporting your nervous system, sleep, and balancing hormones, especially during menopause or perimenopause. The reason it's so effective is that the body treats magnesium bisglycinate like an amino acid, helping it avoid the usual competition with other minerals. It can also cross the blood-brain barrier, making it especially helpful for relaxation.
What’s the best time of day to take magnesium?
Ideally, we recommend spreading your dose throughout the day with meals for optimal results. If you're feeling low on energy, try taking magnesium first thing in the morning. For better sleep, take it in the evening to help encourage rest. Whatever your goal, consistency brings the most benefit, so make it work for you and turn it into a habit you can stick to.
Are there any side effects from magnesium supplements?
Like all supplements, it's possible to take too much magnesium. In the short term, this would lead to digestive discomfort, loose stools or diarrhoea. It's extremely rare, but magnesium can build up in the system over time, leading to more serious side effects. To stay on the safe side, stick to our recommended dosage, and if you have any concerns, check in with your GP or Health Practitioner.
Can I take magnesium with other supplements?
Absolutely! Taking Ready & Rested with our Life & Soul omega-3 and Beam & Balance vitamin D is a great combo. Magnesium helps keep your nervous system running smoothly, supporting nerve function and neurotransmitter balance. Omega-3 is essential for maintaining the fatty structure of your brain cells. Together, they support both cardiovascular and heart health, giving your mind and body a well-rounded power-up. Magnesium and vitamin D are like co-workers in the mineral world: magnesium activates vitamin D in your body, and together, they help support strong, healthy bones and teeth.
Related Information & Expert Advice
Are you sold on magnesium and now wondering about the nitty-gritty of how to take it, the ingredients, which one to choose, and how much to take? Read on for magnesium information or check out our expert tips page for advice.
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