Sleep is an essential part of good health and well-being, yet over 40% of adults report some form of insomnia or difficulty sleeping. One novel therapy to combat these sleep issues is the use of melatonin, a natural hormone produced in the brain. This article will provide a comprehensive review of the use of melatonin as a supplement to help with sleeping.
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland of the brain that signals to your body that it is time to go to bed. This natural hormone is available as a supplement to assist with sleep regulation. It is usually taken in pill form shortly before bedtime. Studies have found that melatonin can reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep, increase the quality of sleep, reduce the occurrence of nightmares and reduce nighttime wakeups.
Melatonin has also been found to be effective in the treatment of circadian rhythm disorders. These disorders can cause sleeping issues, including difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too little. Taking melatonin on a regular basis can help with these issues. In addition, some lab research suggests melatonin may have antioxidant properties which may help to protect cells and tissues. It is important to consult a doctor before taking melatonin to ensure that it is safe for you.
Benefits of Melatonin
Research indicates that supplementing with melatonin can have several benefits for people who have difficulty sleeping. It can improve the speed of falling asleep, deepen sleep, decrease nightmares, and help people stay asleep for longer. It is also helpful in treating jet lag syndrome, as well as shift work sleep disorder. Taking melatonin can also help reduce the symptoms of delayed sleep phase disorder, a type of circadian rhythm disorder.
In addition to its sleep-related benefits, melatonin may have some other health benefits, such as reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, aiding in cognitive performance, and encouraging wound healing. However, more research is needed in these areas.
Safety of Melatonin
In general, melatonin is considered safe for short-term use. However, there are some potential side effects, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, or drowsiness. Long-term use of melatonin is not recommended because it can disrupt the body’s normal production of the hormone. It is important to be mindful of the dosage when taking melatonin, as taking too much can lead to side effects. It is advisable to speak to a doctor before taking melatonin to ensure that it is safe for you.
In addition, pregnant women and nursing mothers should not take melatonin without consulting a doctor. Children under the age of 18 should not take melatonin unless it is recommended by a qualified medical professional.
In rare cases, melatonin can interact with certain medications, including sedatives, antidepressants, and blood thinners. It may also interact with certain supplements such as St. John’s Wort and ginkgo. People who are taking any medications should talk to a doctor before taking Melatonin.
Takeaways
- Melatonin is a natural hormone that signals to your body when it is time to go to sleep.
- It is available in pill form and may help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, increase the quality of sleep, reduce the occurrence of nightmares, and reduce nighttime wake-ups.
- It can also help with certain sleep disorders, such as shift work sleep disorder and delayed sleep phase disorder.
- It has other potential health benefits, such as reducing oxidative stress, aiding in cognitive performance, and encouraging wound healing.
- It is generally safe for short-term use, but pregnant women and nursing mothers should not take it without consulting a doctor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the brain that can help with sleep. It has many potential benefits, such as improving the time it takes to fall asleep, increasing sleep quality, and reducing the occurrence of nightmares. In addition, it may have other health benefits such as reducing oxidative stress and aiding in cognitive performance. However, it is important to speak to a doctor before taking melatonin to ensure that it is safe for you.