Melatonin & Sleep: What You Need to Know

You've probably seen melatonin in a health food store or pharmacy, or maybe your best friend takes it when she can't sleep. Perhaps you have even considered wearing it yourself on a restless night.

But before taking that first pill, take a look at the potential risks and rewards of melatonin.

What is melatonin?

Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the brain to regulate the sleep cycle. Think of it as nature's alarm clock. It tells your body when it is time to go to sleep and wake up.

When night falls, the production of melatonin increases. You start to feel sleepy and ready to sleep. But once the sun starts to shine, or even if you are in an artificially lit room, your body stops producing melatonin, which helps you wake up. In fact, melatonin is sometimes called "the Dracula of hormones" because it comes out only at night.

Best melatonin tablets are available in pill form and come in two types: natural and synthetic (man-made). Avoid the natural version, as it is made from an animal gland and could be contaminated with a virus. Opt for the synthetic form, which does not carry this risk. Check the label on the pill bottle or ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure.

Why take melatonin?

Most people take melatonin pills if they have trouble getting a good night's sleep. Studies suggest that melatonin can help with certain sleep disorders including:


  • The most common sleep disorder, insomnia, is when you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.

  • Jet lag. Jet lag is caused by fast traveling through various time zones. It often results in sleep disturbances, daytime sleepiness, indigestion, and general malaise.

  • Late stage sleep disorder. People with this disorder have trouble falling asleep before 2 a.m. and then they have a hard time waking up in the morning.

  • Shift work disorder. People who work nights, rather than a day job, are often affected by this disorder.




It is safe? What about long-term use?
 
Melatonin and small sleep

Studies indicate that short-term use of melatonin for kids is safe. However, more research is needed to determine if it is effective and safe for long-term use. While melatonin is regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration, it is not approved for some uses. That means its purity, safety and how well it works cannot be guaranteed.


Side effects are rare, but can include:


  • Drowsiness

  • Headache

  • Dizziness

  • Nausea



Some things to consider:


  • Melatonin can interact with other medications you are taking.

  • Melatonin has not been tested in pregnant and lactating women.

  • It is not known if melatonin affects people with certain diseases and conditions.

  • Large doses of melatonin can affect the function of the ovaries.

  • You should not drive or operate machinery for several hours after taking melatonin.

  • To use melatonin and other supplements safely, read the label carefully and keep in mind that "natural" does not always mean "safe."



Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking keldik melatonin or if you check out here have questions about its effectiveness or safety. That way, you will have an accurate picture of how you are managing your health and can advise you if you have any concerns.

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