Experts question the Tiktok viral trend in the magnesium lotion for better sleep

Magnesium is an essential mineral that supports many basic body functions.

It is important for a heart, nerves, muscles and healthy bones, and also helps regulate calcium and blood sugar. The mineral is also vital for protein production, according to Harvard Health.

And now, a new trend on social networks claims that magnesium can also promote better sleep, although experts warn that there are limited scientific evidence.

The danger of hidden sleep could increase the risk of 172 diseases, reveals a major study

In particular, tiktkers have published effects of lotion, oils and spraying magnesium to induce drowsiness when used on the lower feet.

A user (@gandyscraftcorner) has published a video that received nearly 20,000 likes with legend: “POV: you start to put the magnesium lotion on your feet every night before bed and suddenly, your insulin and cortisol levels are being well …

Some Tiktok users claim that the implementation of the magnesium lotion on the feet promotes better sleep. (istock)

Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, a dermatologist based in New York, raised his doubts about the claims of an interview with Fox News Digital.

Camp said that more research is necessary to determine whether the application of products containing magnesium on the skin increases magnesium levels, thus promoting sleep.

The risk of Alzheimer’s could increase with a specific sleep model, warn the experts

“In addition, the skin on the plantar surface of the foot is very thick,” he noted. “A large part of the applied product is probably not systemically absorbed, but remains rather on the surface of the skin.”

In a separate interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Wendy Troxel, a sleep psychologist based at UTAH at the Rand Corporation, said that it was “easy to see why the magnesium lotion is tempting”.

A dermatologist noted that most of a magnesium -based lotion is probably not absorbed in the skin. (istock)

“Everyone is looking for this magic solution to support a better sleep, especially when a product is fashionable or seems to be a natural remedy,” she said. “However, current scientific evidence does not support magnesium lotion as a sleep aid.”

Research on the impact of magnesium on sleep, whether it is taken orally or applied topically, is “limited and at best ambiguous”, according to Troxel.

The risk of dementia doubles almost among those who suffer from a common sleep disorder, discovers the study

The sleep expert has hypothesized that the advantages of a foot massage as part of a night routine can contribute more to drowsiness than real lotion.

“Massage helps activate the body’s relaxation response and can make a real difference when going before bedtime,” she said.

“Everyone is looking for this magic solution to support a better sleep, especially when a product tends or seems to be a natural remedy.”

Healthy sleep foundations

According to Troxel, favor the foundations “based on evidence” of sleep health to follow what is trendy.

These foundations include the time to sleep and the coherent awakening, to avoid the use of technology at night and to cultivate a fresh, dark and calm sleep environment.

The use of technology before the bed can disrupt sleep due to its stimulating and “often addictive” content and exposure to light, warned in troodel.

A sleep expert recommends prioritizing the foundations “based on evidence” of sleep health. (istock)

These foundations of sleep health are likely to function “much more reliably” than the “latest trends or miracle lotions”, said the expert.

Click here to obtain the Fox News app

“What really matters is to make your night routine consistent and predictable, so your body and your brain get clear signals that it is time to sleep.”

In addition to the massage, Troxel suggested trying other methods to “calm a race” at night, including a night gratitude practice, which can “move your concentration and promote relaxation”.

Click here to register for our Health Newsletter

A “programmed concern” can also be a powerful tool, she said. This implies defining a timer for 15 minutes and writing each disturbing thought that comes to mind until the moment has passed, then closing the newspaper.

Technological use before the bed can disrupt sleep due to its stimulating and “often addictive” content and exposure to light, said a sleep expert. (istock)

Studies show that this exercise can help prevent anxious ruminations and facilitate transition to sleep.

For those who can use a magnesium product to manage leg cramps or uncomfortable tingling sensations, troodel has warned that these symptoms can be a sign of agitated leg syndrome, a clinical sleep disorder generally associated with iron deficiency.

For more health items, visit www.foxnews.com/health

“Rather than reaching the magnesium lotion, which is not supported as an effective treatment, I suggest speaking to your doctor symptoms and devating and being treated with proceedings based on evidence,” she suggested.

“Tackling the underlying causes is a much better approach than experimenting with trendy lotions or supplements.”