Did you know there is one stage of sleep most people don’t get enough of? This particular phase is essential for the body’s repair processes, appetite control, hormone balance related to weight, and daytime energy.
That stage is deep sleep. As a clinician focused on sleep health, I monitor deep sleep closely in my patients because it’s a reliable indicator of restorative rest.
It’s concerning how many people sleep eight hours yet still miss adequate deep sleep.
Insufficient deep sleep often leads to stronger cravings, slower metabolism, premature aging, brain fog, and cognitive decline. During deep sleep the brain performs crucial clearance and repair functions that remove the day’s metabolic waste and restore neural function.
A common reason for poor deep sleep is magnesium deficiency. Research and population surveys suggest a large portion of people do not get enough magnesium.
Magnesium supports GABA activity, which helps calm neurons at a cellular level and promotes relaxation necessary for sleep. It also helps regulate the body’s stress-response systems, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
Not all magnesium supplements are the same. Many products contain only one or two forms of magnesium, but different forms have different roles and absorption patterns. For many people, a supplement that includes multiple forms can be more effective.
I personally use and recommend a blend that supplies several forms of magnesium to support relaxation, sleep onset, sleep maintenance, and the ability to reach restorative deep sleep.
A comprehensive magnesium formula can help quiet the mind, support restful sleep, and improve the odds of waking refreshed by promoting the deep sleep stage that underpins recovery and cognitive health.
Right now there are seasonal promotions running for quality magnesium supplements. If you’re considering adding magnesium, check current offers from reputable manufacturers and follow the product’s recommended dosing. If you have health conditions or take medications, consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Here are a few recent updates and resources:
• I appeared on a podcast episode discussing sleep, jawline definition, bad breath, and oral health—topics that intersect with overall wellness and sleep quality.
• I also joined an Instagram Live with an oral microbiome expert to discuss how holiday habits can affect oral and systemic health. The conversation includes practical tips for protecting oral and sleep health during busy seasons.
Please share this information with family and friends and encourage them to sign up for the newsletter at my site to receive further evidence-based tips on sleep and oral health.
Thank you for reading this edition of Mondays with Mark. I welcome your questions—short, focused messages are easiest for me to respond to, and I read each email I receive.
Wishing everyone a restful and healthy Thanksgiving.
P.S. Don’t underestimate magnesium as you head into the holidays, when routines often change and sleep can suffer. If you’re considering supplementation, look for a high-quality formula and consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about interactions or dosing.