Why your dreams feel like a ‘horror movie’ when you take magnesium supplements

Ever heard of ‘magnesium dreams’? (Picture: Getty Images) For the last few years, I’ve sworn by two little tablets of magnesium at bedtime. I have ADHD, and the internet brought me to the supplement when I was researching a cure for my insomnia and generally rubbish sleep. It’s the only supplement I take, and now, I swear by it. It’s worth noting that the science behind magnesium and sleep repair is pretty shaky and needs more research. However, one 2022 study of 3,964 participants found that taking magnesium was broadly linked to better sleep quality, as did another 2024 study. So now, I’ll pack exactly the amount I need for a trip, and refuse to go anywhere without it. There’s just one weird side effect that I’ve noticed: I’m having absolutely bizarre dreams. ‘The vivid dreams are crazy’ (Picture: Getty Images) They’ve become increasingly vivid, to the point where, upon waking, I wonder whether they actually happened. Some are mundane, like my partner making me a coffee, for example. Others are a little more strange, like my eternally single friend suddenly eloping, or a brand new diamond ring disintegrating in my hand like a Dali painting. I’ve been on SSRIs before and had exceptionally intense ‘sertraline dreams.’ So, I began to wonder whether the same applies to magnesium. ‘The dreams are insane’ Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. I’ve found a blossoming online community of fellow magnesium-takers who are experiencing the same thing, many of whom reference the term ‘magnesium dreams.’ There’s even a whole Subreddit dedicated to it, aptly termed r/magnesium. ‘It helps me sleep, but the dreams are insane,’ @Major-Suggestion1945 wrote after they were prescribed it by their doctor, mainly for muscle recovery. ‘The vivid dreams are crazy, and they really mess me up sometimes.’ Similarly, @Carole1818 started taking magnesium glycinate to improve their sleep, but ended up having the ‘worst nightmare ever.’ They likened it to ‘horror movies with me playing the main role,’ and eventually had to stop taking it. Why does magnesium make your dreams so wacky? Dr Zoe Williams, NHS GP and Dreams’ resident sleep expert, tells Metro while there’s currently not enough scientific evidence to show that magnesium itself directly causes vivid dreams, she has a few theories. She explains: ‘What could be happening is linked to magnesium’s role in supporting the nervous system and helping the body to relax. ‘While research into its impact on sleep is still developing, if it causes you to sleep more soundly, you may simply be more aware of your dreams or find that you remember them more clearly when you wake up.’ Magnesium can support the nervous system (Picture: Getty Images) Another possible explanation, according to Dr Zoe, which occurs particularly if you’ve been stressed or haven’t been getting enough sleep, is something called REM rebound. ‘After a period of disrupted or lack of sleep, the body can spend more time in REM sleep as it recovers,’ says Dr Zoe. ‘As vivid dreams are commonly associated with REM sleep, you might find your dreams feel a little more intense or memorable than usual.’ Generally, experiencing atypical dreams isn’t anything to worry about health-wise, particularly if they’re not disrupting your sleep or affecting how you feel during the day. Dr Zoe reminds us that taking more magnesium doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll sleep better, and if you’re taking a supplement, it’s important to always follow the recommended dosage. ‘Speak to your GP or pharmacist if you’re unsure what’s right for you, or if changes to your dreams are regularly disrupting your sleep,’ she says. What is magnesium? ‘Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in your body and plays an essential role in numerous biochemical processes,’ Dr Donald Grant, from online pharmacy The Independent Pharmacy, previously told Metro. ‘It’s involved in a whole host of functions — from supporting healthy nerve and muscle function to regulating blood pressure, strengthening your bones, and maintaining the rhythm of your heart. ‘However, magnesium isn’t produced by any part of your body. It must be obtained through your diet or supplementation. Luckily, it’s found in many foods, including leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, and most cheap multivitamin formulations contain it, too.’ While somewhat low magnesium levels typically won’t leave you with any noticeable symptoms, chronically low levels can increase the risk of developing ‘high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis’, Dr Grant adds — hence why some look for solutions. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk Deals of the Day Primark's new £14 co-ord has autumn styling on a budget covered Topman’s new-season collection has arrived and prices start at just £10 An Instagram mattress left me with back pain – this one completely changed my mind From £700 MacBooks to discounted iPhones, the best Apple tech for studentsb Save 25% on red light therapy masks, sauna blankets and sleep gadgets in Bon Charge sale Arrow MORE: The ‘disgusting and stinky’ fetish men and women find super attractive Arrow MORE: Gym-goers are getting their knickers in a twist over this ‘filthy’ underwear habit Arrow MORE: A parasitic bug that eats human skin cells is thriving in the UK right now The Slice Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.