Natural Remedies for Improving Sleep Named 0 8

The combination of magnesium and apigenin—a plant flavonoid found in chamomile—extended sleep duration in an experiment on mice. This conclusion was reached by researchers who published their work in the journal Food & Function (F&F). According to their data, the combined use of these substances proved to be more effective than each of them separately.

Under normal conditions, the combination increased sleep duration by 44 percent. In animals with sleep disturbances caused by caffeine, the effect was 32 percent, and in a model of induced insomnia, it was 37 percent. Moreover, magnesium or apigenin alone did not demonstrate such pronounced effects. The scientists noted a synergistic effect: the combined use enhanced the result beyond the expected cumulative impact of the components.

Analysis showed that the combination of magnesium and apigenin reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly TNFα, both in the blood and in the hypothalamus—a key area of the brain that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. There was also observed suppression of microglia activation and the NF-κB signaling pathway associated with neuroinflammation. This indicates a possible anti-inflammatory mechanism for improving sleep.

The authors emphasize that the study was conducted on animal models, so it is too early to speak about clinical effects in humans. Nevertheless, the obtained data allow considering the combination of magnesium and apigenin as a potential natural strategy for supporting sleep and a further object of clinical research.