A 2022 Gallup survey shows that one-third of Americans think their sleep quality is only “fair” or “poor.” People try all sorts of things to sleep better, from herbal drinks to listening to bedtime podcasts.
Among the various sleep aids, magnesium and melatonin are two popular choices for those looking to improve their sleep. But which one works better?
Shelby Harris, a licensed clinical psychologist and the director of sleep health at Sleepopolis, believes that melatonin typically does a better job than magnesium at helping people sleep.
“Magnesium might help you start sleeping, but studies haven’t always shown it works well,” Harris explains.
Melatonin is known as a natural sleep enhancer and is thought to help reset the body’s sleep-wake cycle when used properly.
However, Harris and other experts suggest trying to get melatonin and magnesium from food rather than pills because supplements aren’t very strictly controlled in the U.S. Also, it’s important to talk to a doctor before trying new supplements, particularly for those with serious sleep issues where melatonin might not help much.
