BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball has shared her personal struggle with insomnia, revealing that taking magnesium at night 'really helped' her. During a recent episode of the Dig It podcast, Ball and co-host Jo Whiley responded to a listener named Alison, who described her sleep difficulties and asked for advice.
Ball admitted she used to take sleeping tablets but cautioned against long-term use due to potential dementia risks. She said: 'I used to really struggle to sleep, and yeah, I used to take a lot of sleeping tablets... they can add to your risk of dementia.' She recommended magnesium supplements and baths in magnesium salts, noting they 'definitely have made a difference' to her sleep.
The NHS defines insomnia as regular sleep issues, including difficulty falling asleep, waking during the night, and waking early. Adults need seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Causes include stress, anxiety, shift work, and lifestyle factors like caffeine and alcohol. The NHS advises improving sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a consistent routine and creating a dark, quiet bedroom.
Healthline explains that magnesium may help sleep by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, regulating melatonin, and calming the nervous system. It is involved in over 600 cellular reactions and supports bone, brain, heart, and muscle function. Both low and high magnesium levels can disrupt sleep.
Ball also mentioned a 'lodger' who saw her using a product for lymphatic drainage, but did not provide further details about her personal life.
