Zoe Ball has opened up about her struggle with insomnia, revealing that taking magnesium at night 'really helped'. The BBC Radio 2 presenter discussed the issue on the Dig It podcast with co-host Jo Whiley after a listener named Alison asked for advice.
Alison shared that her sleep quality had deteriorated with age and that she had tried various remedies without success. Ball responded: 'Alison, darling girl, I feel your pain; that is so frustrating. I used to really struggle to sleep, and yeah, I used to take a lot of sleeping tablets.' She warned against long-term use of sleeping tablets due to dementia risk.
Ball said she found magnesium supplements beneficial, and also recommended magnesium salt baths, though she admitted she was unsure how the mineral aids sleep. 'It definitely has made a difference to me,' she added.
According to the NHS, insomnia involves regular sleep difficulties, including trouble falling asleep, waking during the night, and early waking. Adults need seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Causes include stress, anxiety, shift work, and substances like caffeine and alcohol.
The NHS advises good sleep hygiene, such as a consistent bedtime routine, winding down an hour before sleep, regular exercise, and a dark, quiet bedroom. Healthline notes that magnesium may help by activating the parasympathetic nervous system and regulating melatonin.
