For many people, the hardest part of the day begins at night. Falling asleep takes longer than it should. Staying asleep feels unpredictable. Waking refreshed can feel like a chance rather than a certainty. While sleep struggles are common, the biology behind rest is deeply connected to one often-overlooked mineral: magnesium.

What does magnesium do in the body?

Magnesium participates in hundreds of biochemical reactions that keep the body functioning optimally. It supports energy production, nerve signaling, muscle relaxation, heart rhythm, and metabolic balance. It also plays a central role in regulating neurotransmitters that calm the nervous system and prepare the brain for sleep.

Despite its importance, many individuals don’t get sufficient magnesium from diet alone, and these subtle insufficiencies may influence how the body handles stress, recovery, and rest.

What is the best form of magnesium?

Not all magnesium is the same. Different forms are absorbed and utilized differently by the body.

Magnesium glycinate, sometimes also called magnesium bisglycinate, is a form in which magnesium is bound to the amino acid glycine. This chelated structure is designed for enhanced absorption and gentle digestion, making it well tolerated for consistent use. Glycine itself is associated with calming effects on the nervous system, which is why this form is often chosen for evening routines focused on relaxation and sleep support.*

So, what does that actually look like in real life when Magnesium Glycinate by Thorne becomes part of a nightly ritual?

The consumer experience taking Magnesium Glycinate

A 28-day consumer study exploring nightly use of Thorne Magnesium Glycinate offers a window into how people experienced changes in sleep, calm, recovery, and daily energy when this essential mineral became part of their bedtime routine.

Participants (n=95) consumed three capsules of Thorne Magnesium Glycinate once daily within one hour of bedtime for 28 days. Experiential data were collected through daily and end of study assessments.

Falling asleep faster. One of the earliest changes participants noticed was how quickly sleep came. Many reported falling asleep more easily within the first few nights of use. In fact, difficulty falling asleep declined sharply after the first dose and continued to improve throughout the first week.*

Also, sleep didn’t just come faster; it felt better. After four weeks, more than 90% of participants reported improved sleep quality, and two-thirds described that improvement as moderate to significant. Just as importantly, waking up began to feel different: more refreshed, and more ready for the day ahead.*

Calm that carries through the day. As sleep quality improved, days began to feel steadier. Participants frequently reported feeling calmer in situations that would normally trigger stress. Nearly all participants noted an improved ability to stay calm, while many also described better mood, focus, and mental clarity.*

Relaxation without losing energy. Magnesium Glycinate also supported physical relaxation and recovery. Participants reported reduced muscle tension and soreness over time, particularly after consistent use.*

A sustainable routine. Consistency matters, and so does tolerability. The majority of participants reported no side effects and described Magnesium Glycinate as easy to incorporate into their nightly routine.

The takeaway

When used nightly, as demonstrated in the consumer study, Thorne Magnesium Glycinate was associated with meaningful improvements in how participants slept, recovered, and handled daily stress.*

This consumer study highlights how small, consistent habits, especially before bed, can shape how the body rests, resets, and shows up the next day.

Note: These findings reflect consumer-reported outcomes; individual results may vary.

Source: Thorne Take 5 Daily