STRESS LESS, SLEEP MORE

Seasonal stresses on our festive social calendars are likely to be shortening tempers right now, not to mention reducing the chances of us getting a good night’s sleep. An active brain makes it harder to switch off as our head hits the pillow, and those with shifting mid-life hormones (notably a decline in oestrogen) may also find sleep harder and less sound.

One of the most important minerals to help calm the mind and encourage better, more blissful sleep is magnesium. Magnesium helps turn our food into energy and also ensures the parathyroid glands work properly. The hormones these glands produce are important for healthy bones, guarding us against osteoporosis and brittle bones. Magnesium also plays a role in muscle and nerve function, and helps control glucose levels and blood pressure.

‘Magnesium helps turn our food into energy and also ensures