Not getting enough sleep is a common problem these days. Adults seem to struggle more when it comes to going to sleep, and they seek sleep aids to help them sleep better at night. Fortunately, there are many sleep aids and treatments available today. If you’re not yet ready to go that route, supplements, such as the melatonin, may help as well.
Before you begin this type of supplement routine, however, it’s important that you understand what melatonin actually is, what it can do, and how safe it is for you. Here is some helpful information to give you an idea of what to expect:
What Is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone that humans produce to regulate circadian rhythms. The human body naturally produces melatonin in response to darkness and reduces production in response to light. Nowadays, it’s called a sleep hormone because it tells the body when to sleep and when to wake up.
The Safety Of Taking Melatonin Every Night
Melatonin is classified as a dietary supplement by the Food and Drug Administration, which means that it is subjected to less strict regulations compared to food ingredients and medications.
Melatonin is one of the most studied supplements in the United States. There are pieces of evidence, both good and bad, that many scientific studies have found, but meta-analyses come to one conclusion: melatonin is generally safe.
The effects of melatonin sway both ways. Some individuals may find that it works, while others don’t. It’s all a matter of testing it for oneself to gauge the effects of melatonin in the body.
Melatonin’s most obvious benefit is it can help you sleep longer and better. It is believed to be safe and effective for long term use, but is it safe to take every night?
Beth Malow, MD, a professor in the department of neurology and pediatrics and director of the sleep disorders division at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, says that it’s safe to take melatonin every night.
However, one must stick to lower doses of melatonin, which is between one to three milligrams per night, to prevent unwanted side effects.
The Sleep Foundation also recommends a dose of 0.2 milligrams to five milligrams for adults. However, the dosage determination remains unknown, which is why individuals who plan to take melatonin should start with the smallest possible dose and work their way up to a dose that helps them fall asleep and doesn’t lead to any side-effects.
There is a possibility of overdose on melatonin. According to the National Sleep Foundation, taking too much melatonin at once may disrupt normal circadian rhythms, which in effect can lead to headaches, irritability, and dizziness.
Conclusion
Taking melatonin every night is generally safe. However, if you’re only starting out, it’s vital to start off with the smallest dose and work your way up until you find the right dosage that allows you to sleep better at night. Since melatonin is classified as a dietary supplement, getting your hands on it is easy. However, it’s still important to be mindful of where you buy it from.
When buying melatonin supplements, make sure that you’re getting from a reliable brand in the market today. Research or better yet, ask your doctor for references. Moreover, if you have an existing medical condition, get your doctor’s advice first before you take melatonin.
Do you need more reliable medical news? Dose of Healthcare provides quality news about the medical industry. Browse through our other topics today.
