Sleep Hormone in Pills: 9 Facts About Melatonin
In recent decades, insomnia has concerned more than 70% of people in developed countries. The main reasons are stress and busy working hours. To improve sleep and make up for melatonin deficiency, many people have started taking the hormone as a pill. But the question is: how effective and safe are they?
Sleep management and anti-aging
In groove countries, melatonin preparations are actively promoted and freely sold over the counter in pharmacies and online. Their popularity is growing in other countries as well. Melatonin plays a key role in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness, being the main hormone produced by the epiphyses of the brain. After 1917, extensive research began on the hormone, revealing its many beneficial properties.
In addition to its calming effect, melatonin regulates important processes in the body, including the immune and endocrine systems. It is also a potent antioxidant present in almost all living organisms. Melatonin protects cells from oxidation and aging.
In most countries, melatonin is available without a prescription and is used as a sleep aid.
When used correctly, it really helps people with melatonin deficiency fall asleep faster and normalize sleep. Problems with production of natural hormone often occur in people who work at night or who frequently change their time zones. However, studies suggest that melatonin may be ineffective if people try to fall asleep at unusual times in the body. For example, if a night worker tries to sleep in the evening when he is used to sleeping during the day.
Addictive melatonin
Many doctors prescribe melatonin tablets to treat insomnia because of its important advantage, which is lack of tolerance. Prolonged use of many strong hypnotics can lead to dependence. Melatonin is safe from overdose and does not cause withdrawal symptoms. However, doctors caution against taking a dose that is no more than 20 to 30 mg and not taking the drug without consulting a specialist.
Studies of melatonin-containing drugs are ongoing and results regarding efficacy are not always predictable. However, many people who have insomnia report significant improvements after they receive treatment. According to experts, melatonin potentialized can positively affect various forms of sleep disorders. Moreover, it can help normalize sleep patterns in people with different chronotypes.
The most common complaints about problems with falling asleep and lack of rest are "owls" - those who prefer to go to bed after midnight. They tend to have difficulty waking up at about 7 to 8 AM and thus feel tired and broken during the day. Studies have shown that the use of melatonin contributes to sleep regulation of "owls" and can help to adjust their mode.
Difference from sleeping pills
Many people believe that melatonin tablets can function as a sleep aid, helping them fall asleep at any time. However, melatonin does not induce sleep but regulates it. The effectiveness of the drug is highly dependent on the timing of its administration - usually it is an evening (depending on the season - from 19:00 to 21:00), when the body is naturally producing melatonin. It is also important to consider the type of sleep disorder: if it is not associated with circadian rhythms and is not caused by a chronic disease, the use of the hormone even two to three hours before sleep can be ineffective.
