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For the one-third of Americans who suffer from sleep deprivation, the holy grail is a quick fix that instantly lulls them into a long sleep.
Now, one doctor has suggested that such a thing could in fact exist – and it doesn’t involve prescription drugs or melatonin, which come with the dreaded brain fog the next day.
Family doctor Dr Ahmed says there are three supplements, all available over the counter at your local pharmacy, that can help you get a good night’s sleep.
However, few people know about them.
Studies suggest that about one-third of Americans experience sleep deprivation at some point in their lives.
“The first one, probably the most popular, is magnesium,” he says. Dr. Ahmedin a TikTok video that has so far racked up nearly 300,000 views.
“Magnesium glycinate in particular.” Dr Ahmed, who is based in the UK, adds that there is another, more effective type of magnesium: magnesium L-terionate. Both can be purchased from various online retailers for between $20 and $35.
Several scientific studies have found links between magnesium and sleep disorders, with Experiments on elderly people Discovering that supplementation can help alleviate insomnia.
The mineral is believed to aid sleep by regulating brain hormones that are responsible for inducing feelings of relaxation.
Next up is an ingredient known as tart cherry, which can be found in juice or powdered supplement form, and has been shown to naturally increase melatonin levels in the body, says Dr. Ahmed.
The third is a “relatively unknown and new” substance called lactoferrin, a protein produced by the immune system that is found in various bodily fluids, including milk, saliva, tears and nasal mucus.
It can also be purchased from a variety of online pharmacies for around $30 for 60 tablets.
“The studies are very promising and it has minimal side effects,” says Dr. Ahmed. “It can help improve not only sleep, but also its quality and duration.”
Research suggests that chronic lack of sleep can have a number of negative effects on the brain and body.
Long-term insomnia has been linked to conditions such as depression, anxiety, dementia, and even type 2 diabetes.
Experts recommend getting six to eight hours of sleep per night to allow the body to properly repair any damage sustained during the day.