For weeks, I found myself waking at 4 am every night, leaving me exhausted and desperate for change. Despite switching to decaf tea by midday, taking evening baths, and sipping chamomile tea before bed, my problem wasn’t falling asleep—it was staying asleep.
A friend suggested magnesium might help. It’s known to support healthy energy release, reduce tiredness, and maintain muscle, nervous system, bone, and teeth function. Intrigued, I began exploring different magnesium supplements but quickly became overwhelmed: glycinate, bisglycinate, magnesium oxide, varying dosages, added vitamins, and prices ranging from £3 to over £20.
Determined to find out what worked, I tested five magnesium supplements from Holland & Barrett, Boots, and Morrisons over several months. Here’s what I discovered:
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1. New Nordic Magic Magnesium Glycinate 600mg (£20.59 for 60 tablets, Holland & Barrett)
Containing 240mg elemental magnesium with added B vitamins, vitamin D, and herbal extracts, this supplement initially helped me drift back to sleep quickly after waking. After six days, I enjoyed two consecutive nights of uninterrupted sleep and felt more energetic in the evenings. However, by ten days, I noticed morning grogginess and daytime fatigue. Adjusting the dose to one tablet a few hours before bedtime improved this, earning it 3.5 out of 5 stars.
2. Holland & Barrett Magnesium Bisglycinate 375mg (£18.85 for 90 capsules)
This formula supports bones, muscles, fatigue reduction, and electrolyte balance. Taking one capsule daily with my evening meal, I slept soundly every night for two weeks and woke feeling refreshed with more daytime energy. This was my favorite, earning a solid 5 out of 5 stars.
3. Vitabiotics Ultra Magnesium (£5.75 for 60 tablets, Boots)
A vegan-friendly, gluten-free option with 100% magnesium NRV per two tablets. Initially, I slept well but later experienced daytime sleepiness and early waking. Reducing the dose helped somewhat but didn’t fully resolve my sleep disruptions. I rated this 2.5 out of 5.
4. Holland & Barrett Magnesium 375mg (£4.25 for 30 tablets)
Simple and affordable, this magnesium oxide supplement surprised me by helping me sleep through the night without earplugs or an eye mask. I felt energized in both the mornings and afternoons during two weeks of use. This excellent value option earned 5 out of 5 stars.
5. Morrisons Magnesium 375mg (£3 for 45 tablets)
Comparable in price to the above but made with magnesium oxide, this supplement didn’t noticeably improve my sleep. However, I was ill and on antibiotics during this period, which likely affected the results. I rated it 3 out of 5 stars.
In summary, the two supplements that consistently improved my sleep were the Holland & Barrett Magnesium Bisglycinate and their standard Magnesium 375mg capsules. The Bisglycinate gave me a slight edge in energy but was more expensive. With Holland & Barrett’s current 3-for-2 offer, it might be worth trying the bisglycinate for better value.
Disclaimer: Some of these products were gifted by Holland & Barrett. All opinions in this review are my own.