We all have our own pre-bed routines to help us get ready for sleep. Maybe you do some gentle yoga, take a warm shower, or write in a gratitude journal. Another great way to wind down, according to sleep doctor Temitayo Oyegbile-Chidi, MD, PhD, is by slathering your body with magnesium body lotion.
“Magnesium lotion is wonderful for a bedtime routine,” she says. Not only can the ritual of applying lotion help you unwind, but magnesium can enter your system topically and soothe your muscles, physically relaxing your body and helping you drift off to sleep. “If your muscles are extra tense as you’re trying to fall asleep, you can’t get good sleep. Also, we know that when you’re very anxious and stressed about things, and you are all tensed up in your back, your neck, et cetera, even if you do fall asleep, you’re more likely to wake up because of all that muscle tension. So having a way to relax the tension in your muscles can really improve sleep overall.”
Dr. Oyegbile-Chidi says there’s limited research that shows magnesium supplementation can help improve sleep, and even less to show the impact of topical magnesium. But, based on anecdotal evidence, sleep doctors often recommend magnesium to help their patients. “It makes sense that magnesium will help,” she says. Because magnesium lotion can relax muscles, Dr. Oyegbile-Chidi says it can be especially helpful for those managing restless leg syndrome.
In addition to being helpful for your sleep hygiene, magnesium body lotion is also great for your skin. “Magnesium has the benefit of preventing dry, flaky skin, which can be caused by an increase in the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline,” Susanna Saiu, former International Trainer and Technical Education Manager of Ren Skincare, previously told Well+Good.
Related Stories
If you’re on the hunt for something to help your body relax before bed or are just looking for something nice to fold into your sleep routine, keep scrolling to browse seven magnesium body lotion options below.
Astura Magnesium Body Butter Lotion with Shea Butter — $26.00
Co-owned by tennis superstar Venus Williams, Astura makes products to support every aspect of your wellness routine. This pre-bed body butter pairs magnesium with warming capsaicin, the combination of which melts pain and relaxes muscles as you fall asleep.
Mo’ Maggie Magnesium Lotion — $19.00
If you really want to get your magnesium, grab this lotion from Mo’ Maggie that delivers a high-potency dose of the stuff. Plus, it also contains shea butter, argan seed, prickly pear seed, and hemp seed to leave your skin moisturized and your body relaxed.
8 Sheep Organics Organic Sleepy Lotion — $29 to $39
The founder of 8 Sheep Organics created this brand after making her own magnesium lotion to help her sleep during her second pregnancy. It eased her leg cramps, restless legs, aching hips, and tired back, allowing her to get some much-needed rest. Word about her lotion spread and soon, she started selling her formula.
Oh hi! You look like someone who loves free workouts, discounts for cutting-edge wellness brands, and exclusive Well+Good content. Sign up for Well+, our online community of wellness insiders, and unlock your rewards instantly.
Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.