The One Nutrient You Need At Dinner For Deeper Sleep (Nope, Not Magnesium)
Key takeaways
- Author: Ava Durgin May 18, 2026Assistant Health Editor By Ava Durgin Assistant Health Editor Ava Durgin is the former Assistant Health Editor at mindbodygreen.
- We often hear about potassium in the context of heart health or muscle recovery, but it turns out this mineral is also essential for sleep regulation.
- This cross-sectional study 1involving ~4,600 adults uncovered a surprising link between diet and sleep:
Why this matters: practical guidance grounded in recent research or expert insight.
Author: Ava Durgin May 18, 2026Assistant Health Editor By Ava Durgin Assistant Health Editor Ava Durgin is the former Assistant Health Editor at mindbodygreen. She holds a B.A. in Global Health and Psychology from Duke University.Image by Jill Chen / Stocksy May 18, 2026If counting sheep isn’t cutting it, you might want to take a closer look at what’s on your dinner plate. Research suggests that one simple nutrient, potassium, could play a powerful role in helping you drift off and stay asleep.
We often hear about potassium in the context of heart health or muscle recovery, but it turns out this mineral is also essential for sleep regulation. It helps muscles relax, keeps nerves firing properly, and supports healthy blood pressure—all factors tied to restorative rest.
This cross-sectional study 1involving ~4,600 adults uncovered a surprising link between diet and sleep: