Effects of Magnesium L-Threonate on Sleep, Recovery, and Athletic Performance in Collegiate Athletes

This study is testing whether a special form of magnesium called magnesium L-threonate can help improve sleep quality, recovery, and physical performance in college athletes. Magnesium is important for muscle recovery and sleep, but many forms of it do not enter the brain well. Magnesium L-threonate is unique in that it can cross the blood-brain barrier and may improve deep and REM sleep, heart rate variability, and brain recovery. In this study, healthy UCLA varsity athletes aged 18 to 35 will be randomly assigned to take either magnesium L-threonate or a placebo each evening for 4 weeks. They will wear a WHOOP strap to track sleep, recovery, and heart rate data. Performance tests including jump height, grip strength, and reaction time will be completed before and after the 4-week period. This study will help researchers determine if this supplement can support recovery and training in athletes and whether wearable technology can help monitor these changes in real time.

Inclusion Criteria: * • Age 18-35 years * Current UCLA varsity athlete (any sport) * Actively training or competing during the study period * Willing to wear a WHOOP strap continuously for 4 weeks * Willing to ingest a nightly capsule for 4 weeks * Able to provide informed consent and comply with study procedures Exclusion Criteria: * • Current use of magnesium supplements or investigational drugs * Use of prescription or over-the-counter sleep medications * Diagnosed sleep disorder (e.g., insomnia, sleep apnea) * Major medical condition limiting training or participation * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Known history of chronic kidney or liver disease * Allergy or intolerance to magnesium * Inability to comply with study procedures (e.g., wearing WHOOP or completing surveys)