Melatonin

For good health, sleep is crucial. Are you getting enough restful sleep at night so that you wake up energized and refreshed every morning? If not, you may need additional sleep support. For everything from immunity to cell protection and overall physical and mental well-being, adequate sleep is important. Melatonin supplements are popular sleep aids for men and women of all ages. 

What's Melatonin?

Melatonin is your body's natural sleep signal. It's a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland in your brain. It's linked to the body's natural clock, called the circadian rhythm. It follows a light-dark cycle. When darkness falls, melatonin levels in your blood increase and it prepares your body for sleep. Light inhibits melatonin production, promoting wakefulness. 

Why Melatonin Supplement for Sleep is Needed?

The role of light plays a crucial role in melatonin production. With people spending more time staring at screens at work and at home, this can impact the production of this hormone. Also, its production declines as we age. Those who work in shifts confuse the natural circadian rhythm, which can also impair melatonin. Irregular sleep schedules affect your body's natural rhythm. 

Sleep melatonin supplements provide a standardized form of melatonin that mimics the body's natural hormone. This helps you regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Taking a melatonin sleep supplement at night promotes a sense of drowsiness. It interacts with your brain receptors to encourage your body to transition to sleep. 

However, melatonin is not a sedative. It doesn't directly induce sleep but helps regulate your body's natural state and timing of sleep.  

Melatonin Supplement Benefits

• Sleep Support: Endogenous melatonin provided by melatonin supplements can be useful for various sleep-related conditions like insomnia. While it may not immediately make you fall asleep, the overall effects of a melatonin supplement can be seen in the total sleep time and sleep quality. Older adults who have lower levels of melatonin benefit more from such supplements. 

• For Resynchronizing Sleep Cycle: It can be useful for people with jet lag, as it can help you reset your body into the new time zone. This can be useful to stay alert during the daytime. High-quality melatonin supplements are available from popular and trusted brands like Pure Encapsulations, Quicksilver Scientific, Douglas Labs, etc. 

• For Seasonal Depression: Melatonin supplements may also be useful in cases of seasonal depression. Those with this disorder have variations in melatonin levels and the supplements can be useful in maintaining balanced levels. 

• For Eye Health: Melatonin has antioxidants that may be useful in supporting eye health. Get advice from a doctor before using melatonin supplements for eye care. 

• For GERD Relief: Melatonin may reduce the secretion of stomach acids and it may be useful to get relief from Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. Talk to your doctor first regarding your GERD condition and consult whether melatonin supplements can help with that. 

What Are Melatonin Supplement Side Effects?

Common side effects of melatonin supplements include headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea. It's safe to use for the long term as it doesn't have addictive properties. However, it's best to discuss with a healthcare provider first if you are planning to take it for the long term. 

Melatonin has interactions with antidepressants, blood thinners, and blood pressure medications. Those with other health conditions and taking medications must consult with a health professional before taking melatonin supplements. 

How to Choose Melatonin as a Supplement?

Looking for the best melatonin supplement? Here are some factors to consider:

• Formulation: Melatonin supplements are available as timed-release or sustained-release formulations. These provide a steady supply of melatonin to help you fall asleep and stay asleep longer. A formulation from Life Extension, Melatonin IR/XR has immediate and extended release for comprehensive support. 

• Strength: Melatonin supplements can be found in various strengths. For example, Bio-Tech has a Melatonin 1mg supplement, while Vital Nutrients has 20 mg per serving. Choose a strength that works for you. Start with a low dose and based on recommendations from a healthcare professional, you can increase the dosage. 

• Form: You can find melatonin supplements such as lozenges, liquids, sprays, capsules, gummies, and chewables. Choose a form that is easy for you to take. Among these, sprays are much easier to use. 

• Brand: Always choose trusted and reputable brands that assure safety, efficacy, and quality through third-party testing. On Nutriessential, we feature melatonin supplements only from top manufacturers with assured safety and quality. 

FAQs

1. Can I take melatonin with other supplements?

It's generally safe to take melatonin with other supplements, but you must be cautious about potential medical interactions. Always consult with a health expert first to use melatonin safely. 

2. Are there sleep supplements, no melatonin?

Yes, many sleep supplements are melatonin-free. One popular option is Herbal Sleep Aid from Kirkman, which contains herbal extracts like chamomile, lemon balm, passion flower, and skullcap for natural relaxation. Read the product label to learn about the ingredients in your sleep supplement.