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For the third of Americans who suffer poor sleep, the holy grail is a quick fix that instantly sends you into a long and slumber.
Now, one doctor has suggested such a thing may in fact exist — and it doesn’t involve prescription medication or melatonin, which comes alongside dreaded brain fog the following day.
Family physician Dr Ahmed says there are three supplements, all available over the counter at your local drug store, that can aid a good night’s sleep.
Yet, few people know about them.
Studies suggest that around a third of Americans struggle with poor sleep at some point in their lives.
‘The first one, probably the most popular, is magnesium,’ says Dr Ahmed, in a TikTok video that has so far amassed nearly 300,000 views.
‘In particular, magnesium glycinate.’ Dr Ahmed, who is based in the UK, adds that another type of magnesium is more effective — magnesium L theronate. Both can be purchased from multiple online retailers for between $20-$35.
A number of scientific studies have found links between magnesium and sleep disorders, with experiements in older people finding that supplementation can help relieve insomnia.
It is thought that the mineral aids sleep by regulating hormones in the brain that are responsible for inducing feelings of relaxation.
The next is an ingredient known as tart cherry, which can be found in juice or powder supplement form, and has been shown to naturally increase melatonin levels in the body, Dr Ahmed says.
The third is a ‘relatively unknown and new’ substance called lactoferrin. This is a protein produced by the immune system that is found in a range of bodily fluids, including milk, saliva, tears, and nasal mucus.
It can also be purchased from a range of online pharmacies for around $30 for 60 tablets.
‘Studies are very promising and it has very minimal side effects,’ says Dr Ahmed. ‘It can help improve not only getting sleep but also sleep quality and sleep duration as well.’
Research suggests that chronic poor sleep can have a host of negative effects on the brain and body.
Long-term insomnia has been linked to conditions such as depression and anxiety, dementia and even type 2 diabetes.
Experts recommend getting between six and eight hours of sleep per night to enable to body to properly repair any damage sustained throughout the day.