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Original poster

Magnesium and Sleep

17 replies

Wilberforce1 · 04/02/2020 14:02

I know this isn't the right place for this but I wasn't sure where to put it, The parenting sleep section seems to be more for babies and it's not a teenage problem so I'm posting here for traffic!

My 11 year old is having massive trouble sleeping at the moment and it's been going on for a few months now, once he is asleep he seems ok but he just can't get to sleep and it's driving him and us mad. He looks awful and must feel pretty rubbish as well.

I've been having a google and a lot of people seem to recommend Magnesium so I was wondering if anyone has tried this to help them sleep or if anyone has given it to a child to help them at night?

Thanks!

OP posts:
lobsterkiller · 04/02/2020 15:03

I do, I take Magnesium Citrate. It takes a few days to kick in but it does help me sleep and sleep welll. It does have me on the loo every morning with a runny tum though so I am not sure how suitable it would be for a young person? Maybe a conversation with the pharmacist may give your more information?

shawarmasue · 04/02/2020 16:05

Yes it's amazing_ I would start off with half the dose. You can also get effervescent or spray if tablets. Any be tolerated . Agree that you should watch out for bowel changes but that will settle down and won't be too much .. I would also start at the weekend - as it does bring on a deep sleep but not like a sleeping tablet which will make them drowsy when they wake . I also take 400mg religiously- twenty mins before bed it's fab -

shawarmasue · 04/02/2020 16:06

**If tablets can't be tolerated _ sorry about my typing!!

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BillieEilish · 04/02/2020 16:11

Hi OP you need to check for children (but my DD who is 11 does it) an Epsom salt bath is SO relaxing and makes you nice and warm and sleepy before bed.

No bubble bath or soap in there though, you need 20 mins to soak.

I get it cheaply off Amazon. Big bag of the stuff, for a fiver... worth a go?

BillieEilish · 04/02/2020 16:12

Epsom salts are basically magnesium I should have said!

AnchorDownDeepBreath · 04/02/2020 16:19

Magnesium often causes bad dreams and an upset tummy, so I’d be mindful of those things for a child!

But it does help me sleep.

LifeInAHamsterWheel · 04/02/2020 16:20

I couldn't tolerate the tablets at all, I had awful diarrhea with them and it didn't really get better with time so I gave up. I tried the spray on my skin but that stung like crazy!!

I'm going to try this supplement next as my local chemist has it on offer and it gets good reviews!

BluebirdHill · 04/02/2020 16:23

Not about magnesium but my same age DS has found sleepcasts from Headspace very helpful. They have a kids' section, so he sets one playing through the Alexa in his room and then drifts off while listening to it. They are good for getting over that issue of not being able to drop off.

BillieEilish · 04/02/2020 16:24

But that's why a magnesium salt bath is great. It gets absorbed through the skin!

dontgobaconmyheart · 04/02/2020 16:47

Not sure aboit magnesium for a child to be honest. It often gives me nightmares and/or a bad stomach. The spray bloody stings. Epsom salts are less bad but still do give me broken dreams but I find them helpful for easing pain so tolerate it.

What else has been tried OP?

Bedtime routine? Pillow spray? Ambient noise? Sleep mask, No late eating and drinking (no stimulants), no tv in his room etc?

What does he say is the reason? If its stress you could encourage him to write everything he is thinking down in a journal before bed perhaps.

SapatSea · 04/02/2020 16:57

Floradix make a magnesium liquid which is much more easy to tolerate than the tablets but is expensive, needs to be kept in the fridge and used within a few weeks.

I tried magnesium gel (as that is absorbed through the skin so bypasses the stomach) but it felt horrible like my skin couldn't breathe.

Mojitomogul · 04/02/2020 17:05

This Works Calming pillow spray in a white square topped bottle is absolutely amazing. It's got 'sleep together calming spray' written on the front and it can be used from 6 months plus. It works so well.. everyone I've recommended it too now sleeps through the night when they use it.

BrassicaBabe · 04/02/2020 17:40

I think it's magnesium oxide that gives the upset tummy. Magnesium citrate is the one you want. (Maybe other, but citrate is the one I know)

Original poster
Wilberforce1 · 05/02/2020 11:38

Sorry I'm late back to this. Just wanted to say thanks for all the recommendations, I'm going to sit down and have a read and Google. I've ordered some Magnesium Epsom salts from Amazon which should be arriving today so I'm going to throw him into the bath tonight and cross my fingers.

I've made a GP appointment for next week as well, I know they won't do anything but I might as well take him.

OP posts:
Nell23 · 07/02/2024 01:29

@Wilberforce1 any update on your apps sleep? I've a 6 year old with similar issues. X

Garlickit · 07/02/2024 01:35

BillieEilish · 04/02/2020 16:12

Epsom salts are basically magnesium I should have said!

This is by far the most body-compatible way to take magnesium. When you've had enough, you stop absorbing it.

Also doesn't block calcium channels, which oral magnesium can do.

Garlickit · 07/02/2024 01:36

Oops, old thread 😳

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