La melatonin it is a hormone that our body produces naturally; it plays an important role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle.
Many people assume melatonin supplements for problems with insomnia or jet lag symptoms, but will it really be safe to take them every night?
Index
HOW MELATONIN WORKS
Melatonin comes produced by the pineal gland, which is located in the brain; exposure to light inhibits melatonin production, but darkness stimulates it.
Melatonin levels in the brain begin to rise as the sun sets and reach their maximum level in the middle of the night, and then decrease as dawn approaches.
Its action inhibits signals in the brain that promote wakefulness; this helps to reconcile sleep, causing a feeling of tiredness; Because of its sleep-regulating function, many people take melatonin supplements for the following reasons:
- Insomnia
- Dysrhythmia
- Sleep disturbances from shift work
- Delayed sleep-wake disorder
- Sleep problems in children with autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
DOSAGE OF MELATONIN
La Food And Drugs Administration does not qualify this hormone as a drug; for this reason there is limited information on the optimal use of this hormone.
A 2017 study quantifies the optimal dose between 1 and 5 mg. Melatonin typically takes from 1 to 2 hours to work, so take it 2 hours before bedtime.
CHILDREN AND MELATONIN
As with adults, there are no clear indications on dosages for children; this can vary according to the age of the child.
Recent research suggests the following age-based dosages 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime:
- 1 mg for infants
- 2,5 to 3 mg for older children
- 5 mg for teenagers
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH HIRING
Short-term use appears to be safe for adults and children; however, information on the long-term effects of this supplement is limited.
Some studies reveal that mild side effects can occur if melatonin is taken for a long time or if it is abused; the side effects found are:
- Feeling sleepy
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Increased urination
If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using it and contact your doctor.
INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES
Melatonin can interact with different types of drugs and substances:
- Blood thinning medications
- Medicines for epilepsy
- Immunosuppressants
- Medicines for diabetes
- Blood pressure medications
- Birth control pill
- Antidepressants
- Alcol
MELATONIN AND PREGNANCY
There are few studies on its action in pregnant women; this hormone is a normal component of milk maternal, but the real effects of taking it during breastfeeding are not yet known.
For these reasons, it is best not to take it if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy and breastfeeding.
IN CONCLUSION
Melatonin supplements can be used to induce sleep; As there is currently no standard dosage associated with melatonin supplements, always check with your doctor before starting to take it.
And you, have you ever taken or do you take it regularly? Let us know in the comments and remember to follow us on our Telegram page
SUBSCRIBE HERE TO THE TELEGRAM CHANNEL