The Effect of Magnesium Supplementation on Primary Insomnia in Elderly: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Abbasi B, Kimiagar M, Sadeghniiat K, Shirazi MM, Hedayati M, Rashidkhani B
Published in Journal of Research in Medical Sciences
Abstract
Randomized controlled trial demonstrating that magnesium supplementation improved subjective measures of insomnia, sleep efficiency, sleep time, and sleep onset latency in elderly subjects.
Methodology
Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 46 elderly subjects (aged 60+ years) with primary insomnia. Participants received 500mg elemental magnesium or placebo daily for 8 weeks. Sleep quality assessed using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and polysomnography. Blood samples analyzed for serum magnesium, melatonin, and cortisol.
Key Findings
Magnesium supplementation significantly improved PSQI scores (p<0.05) Significant increase in sleep time by 42 minutes (p<0.001) Improved sleep efficiency from 74% to 85% (p<0.001) Reduced early morning awakening frequency (p<0.01) Increased serum melatonin concentration (p<0.05) Decreased serum cortisol levels (p<0.05) Reduced sleep onset latency by 17 minutes
Conclusions
Magnesium supplementation significantly improved sleep quality, sleep time, and sleep efficiency in elderly subjects with primary insomnia. The mechanism may involve regulation of melatonin and cortisol levels. Magnesium supplementation appears to be a safe and effective intervention for age-related insomnia.
Limitations
Small sample size (n=46) limits generalizability Limited to elderly population - results may not apply to younger adults Single-center study in Iran Relatively short 8-week duration Did not compare different magnesium forms No long-term follow-up after supplementation stopped
Supplements Studied
Magnesium supplementation improved subjective measures of insomnia, sleep efficiency, sleep time, and sleep onset latency in elderly subjects.
Magnesium supplementation significantly improved PSQI scores (p<0.05) Significant increase in sleep time by 42 minutes (p<0.001) Improved sleep efficiency from 74% to 85% (p<0.001) Reduced early morning awakening frequency (p<0.01) Increased serum melatonin concentration (p<0.05) Decreased serum cortisol levels (p<0.05) Reduced sleep onset latency by 17 minutes
Outcomes Measured
500mg magnesium daily for 8 weeks significantly improved all measures of insomnia including sleep efficiency, sleep time, onset latency in elderly subjects. Increased serum melatonin.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
Conflicts of Interest
None declared. No pharmaceutical company involvement.
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.