For several years, a person with ADHD has been taking two magnesium tablets each night, claiming it has helped improve their sleep. They initially started using magnesium after researching remedies for insomnia. While scientific evidence linking magnesium directly to better sleep is limited, two recent studies—one involving 3,964 participants in 2022 and another in 2024—found some associations between magnesium intake and improved sleep quality. The individual reports experiencing increasingly vivid and unusual dreams, such as a partner making coffee or surreal events like a friend eloping or a diamond ring disintegrating. They note that these dreams are similar to the intense "sertraline dreams" some people experience while taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of antidepressants. An online community of magnesium users has formed, with a dedicated subreddit, r/magnesium, where individuals share their experiences. Some describe the dreams as "insane" or compare them to "horror movies with me playing the main role." A few users have stopped taking magnesium due to these effects. Dr. Zoe Williams, an NHS GP and sleep expert, explains that magnesium supports the nervous system and promotes relaxation, which might increase dream awareness or recall. She also mentions "REM rebound," a phenomenon where the body compensates for prior sleep disruption by spending more time in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is when most dreaming occurs. This increased REM time could lead to more vivid dreams. Dr. Donald Grant from The Independent Pharmacy notes that magnesium is essential for nerve and muscle function, blood pressure regulation, bone strength, and heart rhythm. Since the body cannot produce magnesium on its own, it must be obtained through diet or supplements. Chronic magnesium deficiency may increase the risk of conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis.