A nurse in Madrid says mild insomnia often stems from an overlooked mineral gap, not just stress or screen time.
Laura Galván Fernández, a nurse cited in Diario AS, explains that many people live with suboptimal magnesium levels without realizing it, leaving their bodies physically tired but neurologically alert. This disconnect makes it harder to fall asleep and stay in deep, restorative rest, even when exhaustion sets in.
Magnesium’s role in sleep is biochemical, not anecdotal. It modulates brain activity by regulating neurotransmitters like GABA, which reduces nervous system activation and promotes calm. When levels are low, the body struggles to transition from alertness to rest, resulting in fragmented sleep and a racing mind at bedtime.
The deficiency is easy to miss because its symptoms — difficulty unwinding, muscle tension, light sleep — mimic everyday stress. Yet Galván notes that in mild insomnia cases, magnesium can be a powerful ally by easing physical tension and lowering nervous system activation, allowing sleep to come naturally.
Meanwhile, shoppers across the UK are turning to a low-cost supplement to address this gap. New Nordic’s Magic Magnesium Glycinate tablets, priced at £39.99 for 180 tablets, work out to roughly 44p per day with a subscribe-and-save discount — about $0.55 USD.
Each daily dose delivers 240mg of elemental magnesium, well within the recommended range of 270mg for women and 300mg for men. The formula uses magnesium bisglycinate, a form bound to the amino acid glycinate for better absorption, and includes vitamins B and D, plus a herbal extract with pine bark to support microcirculation.
Experts cited by both The Mirror and Daily Express emphasize magnesium’s broad role: it’s involved in over 300 biological processes, including brain function, mood regulation, heart rhythm, and blood pressure. Kirsten Jackson, an IBS dietitian who spoke to the BBC, calls it “especially important for our brain and mood,” aiding nerve communication and brain cell structure.
Those most at risk of deficiency include women, older adults, and people who regularly consume alcohol or highly processed convenience foods — groups that often fall short of dietary intake despite the mineral’s availability in nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and whole grains.
Real-world feedback underscores the impact. A five-star reviewer for the New Nordic product told the Daily Express they had “struggled to sleep for over 20 years” but now go to sleep straight away most nights, with only occasional early waking. Another shopper told The Mirror that after just a week, sleep improved and they could reduce other tablet intake.
The supplement’s arrival in Boots stores later this month will expand access beyond online shoppers, reflecting growing consumer interest in affordable, targeted solutions for sleep and nervous system support.
How long does it typically accept to notice improvements in sleep from magnesium supplementation?
According to shopper testimonials in The Mirror and Daily Express, some users report feeling better within a week, with improved sleep quality and reduced reliance on other sleep aids.
Why might someone still feel tired even after getting enough hours of sleep?
As nurse Laura Galván Fernández explains, low magnesium levels can depart the body physically exhausted but neurologically alert, preventing the nervous system from fully transitioning into restorative sleep despite adequate time in bed.
Is magnesium glycinate better than other forms for sleep?
Magnesium bisglycinate is often chosen for its good absorption and gentle effect on the stomach, making it a preferred form for those seeking to support relaxation and sleep without digestive discomfort.
