The usage of melatonin as a sleep aid has recently received a lot of traction. Even though consuming these supplements for a short time and in adherence to a physician’s guidance is safe for the most part – abusing them can result in adverse health effects.
Melatonin is a hormone that’s innately created in our bodies to assist in balancing our sleep-wake cycles. Still, some individuals may opt to ingest lab-manufactured melatonin as supplements when their bodies don’t create adequate amounts of the hormone, or they’re experiencing problems staying awake or going to sleep.
When taken properly, melatonin can provide various health advantages. Studies show that melatonin supplements may assist in providing respite from numerous sleep complications like jet lag, insomnia or shift work sleep conditions.
Melatonin supplements aren’t controlled by the Food and Drug Administration; thus there’s not much info available on the best or safe dosages. That’s why it’s recommended that you talk with a health physician before taking melatonin because of the risk of contracting potential side effects like:
- Sleepiness or Drowsiness
- Confusion or Disorientation
- Low blood pressure
- Mild Tremors
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
Some medications have shown to react with melatonin, which poses serious health issues. Reactions can happen with the following kinds of drugs:
- Contraceptive drugs
- Epilepsy medications
- Blood pressure medications
- Immunosuppressants
- Diabetes medications
Before you consume melatonin as a sleeping aid, please consult with a medical practitioner first. If you’re currently going through sleeping issues like insomnia or other conditions, a sleep expert can assist you in exploring the best treatment option for you.
What should you do if you’re experiencing difficulty sleeping?
5 Tips for Getting a Better Night’s Rest
- Be consistent: Go to sleep at the same time every night, including on the weekends.
- Ensure that your room is dark, quiet, laid back, and at a comfy temperature.
- Remove any electronic screens from your room.
- Stay away from alcohol, caffeine, and large meals before going to sleep.
- Exercise: Having an active lifestyle during the daytime can help you to sleep better at night.
Are you looking to make some changes to your sleep routine? Before going for a pill, Neubauer suggests that you try to optimize the melatonin your body creates innately. You can achieve this by going outdoors more and remaining active during the daytime. He continues to say that exposure to sunlight makes your circadian rhythm stronger, and the more you have an active lifestyle during the day, the more likely you’ll have a good night’s rest easily.
And given how light subdues melatonin production, make sure to keep light levels low during the nightime – this implies reducing the usage of your computer, tablet, phone, and TV a couple of hours before going to sleep.
If you’re experiencing difficulty sleeping more routinely, you must consult with a physician to work out the cause. According to Wyatt, it’s odd to experience difficulty sleeping and it’s not caused by other factors, such as the side effects of various medications, or anxiety or depression or stress, or a pain condition that’s not treated – there are all kinds of factors.
According to the CDC, a third of adults in America often get less than the suggested amount of sleep (7 hours or more per night), and the Coronavirus has only escalated slumber issues, research indicates. The upside: There are insomnia treatments, and an effective one, cognitive behavioral therapy, isn’t in a pill state.