Alan Sawyer
Melatonin supplements are natural supplements that are often used as a pre-cursor to over the counter and prescription sleep aids. As always, consult a doctor for medical advice in determining the right way to solve the sleep problems you’re experiencing.
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What is Melatonin?
Melatonin production occurs naturally in the body. The purpose is to regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycles according to the circadian rhythm. The neurohormone is produced and released by the pineal gland into the bloodstream nearing bedtime. For those who have trouble falling asleep, this may result from levels of melatonin being too low.
Dosing and Effects?
Simultaneously, like many others, naturally accusing hormones, over-the-counter products can and have been created to mimic the body’s natural production. It can be difficult to know how much melatonin to take. Some brands may prescribe you more than what you actually need. Lower dose melatonin often comes in 5-10 milligrams per serving. Although this is the case, if you require only a little bit of sleeping assistance, you may want a 3mg or lower. It should be take in the lowest doses until you know that ht best possible dosage is for your body. Since the supplement isn’t regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a doctor should inform you if a high dose is correct for your needs.
When taken in conjunction with lowering your light exposure within a couple of hours of bedtime, the effects of melatonin can result in the following, sleepiness, prevention of jet lag (via increased sleep), and give a good night of sleep.
Another thing to bear in mind with melatonin use is this: if you are taking any other medication, you may face the possibility of drug interactions and serious side effects. It can reduce the desired effect other prescription medications are supposed to have. Be sure not to combine melatonin with blood thinner medications or anticoagulants. It can also increase blood pressure in people who take hypertension medication. Diabetes, birth control pills, and SSRIs are just a few that negatively interact with melatonin products.
Melatonin overdose?
Typically, when used correctly, the preferred outcome is sleep. There can, however, be negative or unwanted side effects to the dietary supplement if you take too much. These include nausea, irritability, stomach cramps, headache, dizziness, mild tremors, low blood pressure, and sleep inertia- the feeling of drowsiness and incoherence experienced directly after awaking. So, the phrase “overdose” is somewhat misleading. It is possible to take too much for your body; however, it likely will not kill you.
