Drool on the Pillow –Sleeping with Autism, or NOT!

Bedtime at our house is a crossover of scenes between Mission Impossible and Edge of Tomorrow –the routine is familiar, but the odds of success are laughably low even with all the snake oil one can purchase on-line! If you found this blog it's likely we are in the same boat –the one that's filling with water faster than you can bail it out!

Recently, we've had another bout with sleep regression with our nonverbal, profoundly autistic 13-year-old son. By sleep regression, I mean up literally all night until the sun comes up—basically picture an orangutan on crack and you'll get the picture. He's always struggled with sleep, and it's always been an issue, but not like it is now that he is bigger and going through puberty. There's a big difference between watching movies and cuddling a 4-year-old at 4 a.m. vs a 13-year-old with size 11 feet... Anyway, in my sleep-deprived, almost fever-dream state, I did what we all do and hit up Google for answers.

I came across a familiar study I'd used in a paper while getting my master's in biomedical nutrition (got an A on that paper, not to brag) talking about the symptoms of brain magnesium deficiency. Apparently, the super brains at MIT discovered a link between neurocognitive diseases and reduced magnesium in the brain.

The consequences of those studies resulted in the discovery of MAGNESIUM L-THREONATE, which, according to their studies, is the only form of magnesium that crosses the blood-brain barrier.

Clinical Trial of 1

Like any parent I always opt to test out the products I intend to give my kid on myself first...I'll discuss the weed gummies in another blog –to answer your question, no we are not on those! Since I've struggled with sleep practically my whole life I felt I was a great candidate for my trial.

The first night I took 2 droppers full of the pineapple flavored Magnesium L Threonate by Vita Guard –shameless plug I've added it to my Amazon Storefront...don't think by buying it off the link you are not making me rich BUT maybe helping me pay for all the products I'm testing! Anyway...I put 2 droppers full under my tongue and BAM –woke up 5 hours later (which is a record for me) with drool on my pillow. I haven't done that (probably) since infancy.

The next night I took only 1 dropper under the tongue –same results –drool on the pillow! With that success I decided to give it to my 24 year old son who is a chip off the ol'block and has issues with sleep as well...same results –drool on the pillow!

Now for the real test... super boy who can take a sleep cocktail powerful enough to take down an elephant and still be up all night like a scene out of Studio 54! I only gave him 1 dropper full, and while it did not knock him out right away, we did notice he slept for 6 hours straight. This has been pretty consistent now for a week—we are seeing other gains which I'll address in another blog when I can determine if they are real or wishful thinking!

He has also been taking BiOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough Supplement 4.0 for several weeks, which has helped with anxiety but not sleep.

The Science

The blood-brain barrier is a protective layer of tightly packed cells that regulates the movement of molecules between the bloodstream and the brain. It allows only specific substances, like oxygen, glucose, and certain nutrients, to pass through while blocking toxins, pathogens, and large molecules.

Brain Magnesium Levels Impact Cognitive Function

• Magnesium plays a crucial role in regulating neurotransmitter activity, brain plasticity, and synaptic connections.

• Research shows that increasing brain magnesium levels can improve memory, learning, focus, and mood. However, most forms of magnesium cannot pass through the BBB effectively, so they primarily affect muscles, bones, and general systemic function—but not brain function.

Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections, especially during learning or recovery from brain injury.

• Higher brain magnesium levels support synapse density and strengthen neural networks, which are crucial for long-term memory and resilience to cognitive decline.

Magnesium deficiency in the brain has been linked to:

• Cognitive decline

• Mood disorders like depression and anxiety

• Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

See my post about grounding and the similarities between Alzheimer's and profound autism

Comparison Chart

Magnesium L-threonate can cross the BBB because of the L-threonate molecule's size, charge, and lipid solubility, which other forms of magnesium lack. This allows it to efficiently deliver magnesium directly to brain cells, making it highly effective for cognitive enhancement, mood regulation, and neuroprotection.

WorkingAPuzzle Magnesium Chart

Clinical Research Support

Studies show that magnesium L-threonate:

• Increases magnesium levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by up to 15%, compared to negligible increases with other forms of magnesium.

• MgT improved sleep quality, particularly during deep and REM sleep stages, while enhancing mood, energy, alertness, and daily productivity

Conclusion

If you’re reading this, you’re likely as desperate for sleep as we’ve been. While there’s no magic bullet, our experience with magnesium L-threonate has been an unexpected win in a battle that often feels unwinnable. The science behind it makes sense—boosting brain magnesium levels seems to have unlocked better sleep not only for me but also for my sons, especially my nonverbal, autistic teenager.

We’re not out of the woods yet, but for the first time in a long time, we’re seeing the glimmer of a solution rather than another dead end. If you’re navigating sleepless nights with your own neurodivergent child, I hope this helps you feel a little less alone—and maybe even a bit hopeful. Here's to fewer 4 a.m. dance parties and more drool-covered pillows!