Want to sync your body clock? Eat magnesium-rich diet!

Zee Media Bureau/Shruti Mishra

In today's busy world most of us experience a mismatch between our body clock and external timings.

Shift work, time zone changes or sudden change in routine are some of the reasons that causes Circadian rhythm disorders commonly known as delayed phase sleep disorder.

Recently researchers at University of Edinburgh made a surprising discovery that the amount of magnesium in our diet helps in regulating the sleep-wake cycle of our body.

They observed the activity of each collected human cells for a period of 24- hours. Throughout the observation the level of magnesium drastically rose and fell with 24- hours sleep and wake cycle.

The team then concluded that the presence of magnesium is directly associated with the amount of a person's sleep and how much energy they burn in the entire day.

The study published in journal Nature pinpointed that the oscillation of magnesium levels controlled the biological function of when and how effectively cells burned energy.

Researchers claims that this discovery will provide valuable feedback into the development of chronotherapy, treatments scheduled by time of the day.

Our biological clock is extremely beneficial in keeping a check on the ebb and flow of sleep and wakefulness. Many health experts belief that disruption in biological clock leads to many chronic health issues like depression, mood disorders, sleep disorders etc.

So, now instead of taking daily doses of sleeping pills try to increase the intake of magnesium- rich foods like leafy greens, chocolates, nuts, seeds etc.