Blog written by Dietitian & Nutritionist Helena
If you’re anything like us, winding down at night is a sacred ritual and deserves more than just a scroll through your phone and collapsing into bed. A good wind-down routine is designed to set you up for the next day and improve your sleep, which has flow-on effects for your overall wellbeing. If you want the secret to a great wind-down, it’s all in the details. Like the timing of your dinner (make it a few hours before bed), the brightness of your lights (dim!), the temperature of your bedroom (keep it cool), and the ingredients in your sweet treat. One thing you don’t want to be sleeping on - no pun intended - is magnesium.
Why Magnesium Matters
Magnesium is involved in over 300 reactions in the body. It calms the nervous system, helps muscles relax, reduces inflammation, and supports blood sugar control and energy production. But one of its standout roles? Better sleep.
Magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitters like GABA that promote relaxation and help your brain wind down for the night. While some studies show mixed results, there’s promising evidence that magnesium may reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and improve sleep quality, particularly if your levels are on the low side.
And even if some of the benefits come down to a bit of placebo magic, the calming ritual of a warm, magnesium-rich hot chocolate before bed can still work wonders. So, we’re all for it!
A Multitasking Sweet Treat
For a lot of us, the evening is when cravings hit. You’ve had a long day, dinner’s done, and suddenly you’re rummaging through the pantry looking for something.
How do we overcome this? First, make sure you’re fuelling properly throughout the day to avoid feeling out of control around snacking at night.
Another solution is having a satisfying go-to like one of our new hot chocolates to get your sweet fix, without diving headfirst into the tub of ice cream. It’s naturally sweet, rich, and feels like a treat, without the sugar crash. Plus, it’s loaded with plant-based goodness and a bonus hit of magnesium to help your body (and mind) wind down.
Sleep, Recovery, and More
A good night’s sleep doesn’t just help you feel more rested. It supports:
- Appetite regulation: Poor sleep disrupts hunger hormones, making you more likely to crave energy-dense foods.
- Balanced blood sugar: Sleep and magnesium both play a role in insulin function and glucose metabolism.
- Exercise recovery: Sleep is essential for muscle repair, and magnesium supports this process.
- Hormonal function: Poor sleep can drive up stress hormones, which can impact mood, menstrual cycles, and more.
- Inflammation: Sleep helps reduce low-grade inflammation linked to chronic disease.
Basically, when your sleep is sorted, everything feels easier — and magnesium may be a missing link for many people.
Make it a Ritual
Set the mood. Dim the lights. Pop the kettle on. Sip something warm and nourishing. Whether you’re doing it for the magnesium or the moment, it’s a habit that supports your wellbeing.
Our new hot chocolate range with added magnesium makes it easy (and delicious) to wind down in a way that your body will thank you for – try for yourself!
Hi, I'm Helena! Dietitian, nutritionist and plant-forward eater providing tailored nutrition services to women navigating their gestational diabetes and postpartum journey.
Instagram: @nutrition.by.helena
Website: https://nutritionbyhelena.com/