Is it safe to take melatonin?

July 23, 2020

Is it safe to take melatonin?

  

When you're not sleeping, you'll do anything to get your zzzs. On average, men and women need 7-9 hours of sleep each night, but insomnia can happen at any age for many reasons. (1) You may roll around worrying about your kids or job. Perhaps, summer has hit, and your bedroom is hot. Or you eat a large meal too soon before bed. 

 

Any of these reasons may make sleep elusive. One solution to insomnia and sleep disorders is melatonin. But many people ask, "Is melatonin safe?" The simple answer is yes, and here's why a melatonin cream helps you get the high-quality sleep you deserve.

 

Natural hormone in the body

Our bodies naturally produce different hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and melatonin. As the day turns into night, your brain begins to produce and release increasing amounts of melatonin. By the time you've settled into slumber, melatonin peaks and helps relax your mind and muscles into a dreamland.

 

In essence, men and women produce enough melatonin needed for a night of healthy sleep, but sleep disorders and daily worries may impair the effectiveness. The amounts of melatonin produced also decreases as one ages.

Unlikely to become dependent

Other sleep disorder medications have a higher risk of dependency than melatonin. According to the Mayo Clinic, melatonin promotes sleep and is fine for short-term use. (2) Most men and women who use melatonin won’t have withdrawals or cravings after stopping use. 

 

More potent sleeping pills, such as Ambien and Sonata, can be highly addictive, and stopping use may cause an even more substantial rebound of insomnia. (3) Even though melatonin is safe to use, speak to your healthcare provider about taking a melatonin supplement cream if you have concerns.

 

Possible side effects

 Melatonin has few side effects, but regular use can cause some people to feel groggy during the day. The sensation has been described as having a sleep hangover; you feel like you can't wake up. The solution may be  to take a smaller dose of melatonin.

 

Another possible negative outcome is that your body stops producing enough melatonin. After a while, your brain becomes accustomed to the extra melatonin and relies on the boost. To solve this concern, alternate between melatonin and magnesium, another natural sleep aid that helps relax the body.

Benefits of melatonin

 If you’re looking for a fast way to fall asleep, melatonin may be the answer. Magnesium creams have many benefits, including:

 

• Helps regulate your sleep cycle
• Encourages deeper sleep
• Fast-acting so you don't toss and turn
• Fights jet lag, sleep disorders, and anxiety
• Natural hormone that safe to use

 

When you can’t sleep, your entire body and mind can’t function properly. You spend your days sleepy and your nights awake. It can quickly become a habit that’s hard to break. Melatonin is safe to use and can help you break the cycle of insomnia.

 

 

1. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-melatonin/art-20363071#:~:text=Generally%20safe,and%20provide%20some%20insomnia%20relief.
3. https://www.addictioncenter.com/sleeping-pills/

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