by Nutritionist_MS*0*ˇ December 03, 2013 at 11:01 PM
Okay Geoff admittedly I cheated, I just copied my earlier answer from elsewhere in the forum.
The
pineal gland, located roughly in the center of the head, depends upon
magnesium for its own production of
melatonin. So a body that is quite deficient typically will produce and secrete less of this hormone, which in turn can negatively impact a persons ability to switch off at night and fall asleep. Essentially one can only bake as much cake as one has flour for. Of course the optic nerve, being connected to the pineal gland, signals the pineal gland to start producing melatonin once the sun goes down, also known as DLMO (dim light melatonin onset). A lack of light received by the retina permits this melatonin production, conversely light, particularly blue light, suppresses its production. This explains the use of blue blocking glasses in the later hours of the day or blackout curtains by those who have difficulty falling asleep.
Similar to a child waiting all year long for his parents to finally afford his expensive tastes in Lego, the pineal gland can be chomping-at-the-bit (eager) to produce melatonin, but lacking the magnesium, as one of the essential building blocks, to do so. As if by a stroke of luck the pineal glands owner has finally caught on to a potential magnesium deficiency and eagerly scoffs down (Brit. devour greedily) handfuls of the stuff (usually too much) and low and behold copious amounts of melatonin are rapidly produced.
Now vivid dreams primarily occur during what is considered the most important and lighter phase of sleep, closer to the morning, known as REM sleep (rapid eye movement). REM sleep is a normal part of a humans daily sleep pattern and usually accounts for 1-2 hours of sleep a night, although occupies a majority of a new born babies sleep. And you guessed it, the hormone melatonin has been directly shown to increase REM sleep. So essentially magnesium allows for the production of melatonin and more melatonin equals more REM sleep and more REM sleep equals vivid dreams.
Dont want vivid dreams (well who does?) moderate ones magnesium intake, spread it out throughout the day. Don't take it all at once, don't take it just before bed, it is not a drug and is not time sensitive like a drug. Put it in a bottle of water and sip it throughout the day just like the body is used to getting its magnesium i.e. 3 meals a day. If this does not sort itself out reduce the amount one is taking.
Magnesium the mineral itself is identical between all the different forms, so changing the form technically shouldn't change this circumstance, unless of course one uses a less absorbable form. The less absorbable the form, the less is actually utilized by the endocrine system and the more that goes directly to the bowels.
Also transdermal magnesium such as magnesium rubs or "oils" (typically magnesium chloride) are a great idea as@Dragonfly*suggests, as are magnesium sulfate baths as*@FED*at LiveCaveman.com suggests. In both cases less magnesium typically makes it into the blood stream and thus a reduced impact on the pineal gland (and other aspects of the body).
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