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For the one-third of Americans who suffer from poor sleep, the holy grail is a quick fix that immediately puts you into a long, sleepy slumber.
Now a doctor has suggested that such a thing may indeed exist, and that it is not prescription drugs or melatonin that cause the dreaded brain fog the next day.
Family physician Dr. Ahmed says there are three supplements, all available over the counter at your local drugstore, that can help promote a good night’s sleep.
Yet few people are aware of it.
Research shows that about one-third of Americans experience poor sleep at some point in their lives.
“The first one, probably the most popular one, is magnesium,” Dr. Ahmed says in a TikTok video that has been viewed nearly 300,000 times so far.
“Particularly magnesium glycinate.” Dr. Ahmed, who lives in the United Kingdom, adds that another type of magnesium is more effective: magnesium L-theronate. Both can be purchased from multiple online retailers for between $20 and $35.
Several scientific studies have shown that there is a connection between magnesium and sleep disorders. Experiments with elderly people have shown, for example, that supplementation can help with insomnia.
The mineral is thought to promote sleep by regulating hormones in the brain responsible for feelings of relaxation.
The next ingredient is tart cherry, which comes in juice or powdered supplement form and has been shown to naturally increase melatonin levels in the body, according to Dr. Ahmed.
The third is a ‘relatively unknown and new’ substance called lactoferrin. This is a protein produced by the immune system that is found in a range of body fluids, including milk, saliva, tears and nasal mucus.
It is also available from various online pharmacies for around $30 for 60 tablets.
“Studies are promising and it has minimal side effects,” Dr. Ahmed says. “It may not only help you sleep better, but it may also improve the quality and duration of your sleep.”
Research shows that chronic poor sleep can have a number of negative effects on the brain and body.
Long-term insomnia has been linked to conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, dementia and even type 2 diabetes.
Experts recommend getting between six and eight hours of sleep per night so that the body can properly repair the damage it has suffered during the day.