Background
Melatonin is a hormone found within our bodies. Used as medicine, it is synthetically produced inside of laboratory’s for human use. Normally used as a pill it is then digested with water, or can even be placed within your cheek or placed under your tongue. At this point you’re probably asking yourself what in the world people use melatonin for and why anyone would want to take more of what the body already produces naturally, so here is how it works:
According to Webmd.com,
“Melatonin’s main job in the body is to regulate night and day cycles or sleep-wake cycles. Darkness causes the body to produce more melatonin, which signals the body to prepare for sleep. Light decreases melatonin production and signals the body to prepare for being awake. Some people who have trouble sleeping have low levels of melatonin. It is thought that adding melatonin from supplements might help them sleep.”
Is melatonin safe? I would say yes per research I’ve done, but I would be careful because there is the possibility for side effects from any medication. and this is no different. Melatonin is said to possibly cause “headache, short-term feelings of depression, daytime sleepiness, dizziness, stomach cramps, and irritability. Do not drive or use machinery for four to five hours after taking melatonin”. Most will want to use melatonin in short-term period as most research suggests this seems to be the safest way to avoid any addictions or dependences on the drug.
Dosing
My good friend has used melatonin for a small period of time but she swears by it! Its effects really help her at night to be able to relax and truly fall asleep and stay asleep without any issues. She experiences little to no side effects and takes it in the form of plant-based capsules. Some of the best capsules, in my opinion, are the Premier Research Labs (Melatonin-ND Melatonin) the reason I love this brand so much is because of their push towards natural products. Most of their products are a plant base with botanicals supporting it, non-GMO, and support a variety of joint and immune system needs.
Taking melatonin its suggested that you start at smaller doses before taking larger ones, but that in adults it normally is fine to start more at the suggested amount, even if you are a first timer. Remember to ask your doctor and be mindful of the way it can contain major side effects if mixed with other medications or alcohol.
Health.clevelandclinic.org says
My general recommendation is “less is more,” or 0.3 milligrams to 1 milligram taken several hours before bedtime.
This way you will be more likely to avoid complications since most over the counter doses give you an amount larger than what your body usually needs. Although this method is not deemed unsafe, it can be more beneficial to start smaller, as I said above, to therefore build up to it and not overwhelm your body. Be mindful of what you allow to enter you body, do your own research and always take precautions.
A Happy You is a Healthy You
