Define Your Problem First
As someone who had issues with their sleeping patterns, I understand how hard it is to be tired all the time and keep on functioning without taking a nap in the middle of the day. This was a problem that followed me through a significant part of my adult life.
I tried everything to find the way back to healthy sleep. Eight hours a night, each night, that was my goal. I succeeded, with melatonin. This is a story with a happy ending.
In the beginning, I wasnt thrilled about the idea of taking any pills or supplements, so, I said to myself okay if Im going to take something to help me sleep, it better be something natural.
I talked to medical professionals, researched, asked around, and I found the reasonable solution melatonin.
Heres the deal: Today, Ill be answering all of these questions for you, and you will learn the proper way to manage your melatonin supplementation.
BUT: I need you to do something for me first.
If you are diagnosed with any sleep disorder, or you can recognize the symptoms of one of the following:
- Insomnia
- Narcolepsy
Talk to your doctor first.
They are the ones who should determine the course of your therapy. In some of these situations, melatonin might not be the right or the best treatment for you.
You should be aware that it is a sleeping aid, but it is not the cure.
It might also interact with the other medicaments you are taking, so, dont forget to check with a medical professional if it is okay for you to use it.
Melatonin For Sleep: Does It Work
Melatonin sleep aids are growing in popularity, with 3 million Americansusing them in 2012, according to a nationwide survey from the Centers forDisease Control and Prevention. If youre among them or are consideringmelatonin for sleep, its smart to understand exactly how melatonin works.
Your body produces melatonin naturally. It doesnt make you sleep, but as melatonin levels rise in the evening it puts you into a state of quiet wakefulness that helps promote sleep, explains Johns Hopkins sleep expert Luis F. Buenaver, Ph.D., C.B.S.M.
Most peoples bodies produce enough melatonin for sleep on their own. However, there are steps you can take to make the most of your natural melatonin production, or you can try a supplement on a short-term basis if youre experiencing insomnia, want to overcome jet lag, or are a night owl who needs to get to bed earlier and wake up earlier, such as for work or school.
If youd like to harness melatonins sleep-inducing effects, Buenaver recommends taking these steps.
Melatonin Dose Chart For Adults
The optimal dosage can differ depending on your needs and the reason for taking melatonin.5
|
Usage |
|
0.05 mg/kg to 0.5 mg/kg of body weight |
children 1 to 8 years-old. |
You can easily find products containing lower doses of melatonin for kids, but long-term usage of melatonin in kids still requires further study.Keep in mind, although melatonin can be a helpful sleep aid for children who may have trouble sleeping, it is not a replacement for good sleep hygiene and habits. That includes consistent bedtime routines that are free of electronics at least one hour before their bedtime.11
Read Also: How Can I Get More Estrogen
Is Melatonin Safe For Kids
While plenty of studies shows that melatonin is safe for adults to take on a short-term basis, the safety of long-term use isnt quite clear. And not much research has been done on whether its safe for children to take. However, recently, there has been some promising research showing that short-term use of melatonin is effective and well-tolerated in treating difficulty falling asleep in children and adolescents.3 Other research shows that melatonin may be especially helpful for children with conditions that can impact their ability to fall asleep, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism.4 Melatonins use in these circumstances should be discussed and carefully monitored by your childs pediatrician.4
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that melatonin should only be used after talking with your childs pediatrician and after using already established healthy sleep habits and routines that dont include medication.4
What To Do In Case Of An Overdose
Melatonin overdose may be difficult to spot because symptoms are similar to those of many other health problems and side effects to some medications. However, if you do experience these symptoms you should not ignore them.
Consult your doctor, describe all symptoms you have noticed, and mention youre taking melatonin. Your doctor will diagnose the problem.
In case of an overdose, you can also contact Poison Control Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or call 911 if you experience serious reactions including chest pain and high blood pressure.
Recommended Reading: What Causes Elevated Cortisol Levels
How Much Melatonin Should I Take
Melatonin supplements are available in a wide range of dosages, from 1 milligram up to 10 milligrams, and can be taken in pill form, as dissolvable tablets, liquid drops, or even gummies. However you take it, the best time to use melatonin is about 30 minutes before bedtime.
If youve never taken melatonin before, start small and work your way up if needed. For adults, Dr. Kohli recommends beginning with a 1 to 2 milligram dose daily and increasing the dosage by another 1 to 2 milligrams at a time. For children, the AAP says the dose should remain low , capping out at no more than 3 to 6 milligrams of melatonin. The maximum dosage for healthy adults ranges from 5 to 10 milligrams. If that sounds like a wide spectrum of normal, its because the right dose of melatonin is very individualized. According to University of Missouri Health Care neurologist Pradeep Bollu, MD, while some people respond well to 3 milligrams daily, others may need more or less. If you feel like you need more than 5 milligrams, you should talk to your doctor first before trying a higher dose. The more melatonin you take the more likely you are to have side effects. Melatonin dosage is fixed according to age, and does not vary by body weight.
Is Melatonin For Kids Safe
The hormone melatonin is produced naturally by the body. It is responsible for setting the bodys inner clock. In spite of this, you should consult with your physician before giving it to your child as it does have the potential for being unsafe. This is a case where you dont just want to take a friends advice, even if it worked for their child.
Melatonin may cause disturbances in other hormones, which can create problems with development, especially during adolescence. It can also increase blood sugar in diabetic kids and may increase the chance of seizures in children who have a seizure disorder. Additionally, melatonin can have interactions with medications, especially sedatives such as Ambien, Valium or Ativan.
You May Like: Testosterone And Weight Loss Supplement
How Much Melatonin Does Your Body Produce Naturally
The production of melatonin signals your body that its nighttime, allowing you to relax and lowering your body temperature. This helps you transition to sleep easier and promote consistent, quality sleep.4 Most people produce adequate melatonin to sleep on their own, with levels increasing at night and then diminishing in the morning, which is when the hormone cortisol increases, that promote wakefulness. The amount of melatonin the body actually produces varies throughout your lifetime, with levels increasing and decreasing during various life stages.5 Further, the aging process, diet, and stress can all disrupt the bodys normal production of melatonin, which may make quality sleep more difficult.
How To Find The Right Amount Of Melatonin For You
If you aren’t sure how much melatonin to take, it is recommended to start with a smaller amount like the 1 mg or 3 mg rather than starting with the maximum. Although melatonin is safe in servings up to 10 mg per day, more is not necessarily better.
Starting with a smaller amount will allow you to see how your body reacts and gauge if your body needs more or less melatonin. You can gradually increase or decrease your intake until you find the right amount, but do not exceed 10 mg, the maximum recommended daily serving.
The chart below can help you determine when to take melatonin and how to identify your body’s reaction to help find the right amount for you. Melatonin for kids may differ so consult your pediatrician for specific questions.
| When to Consider Taking Melatonin | When to Increase Your Melatonin Intake | When to Decrease Your Melatonin Intake |
|---|---|---|
|
You have occasional sleeplessness, defined as occasionally having trouble falling asleep and/or staying asleep You have a shift in sleep schedule of 1 hour or more You are experiencing jetlag |
You are still having trouble falling asleep within 20-30 minutes You are still having trouble staying asleep waking up briefly, e.g. to go to the bathroom, is ok but you should be able to fall back asleep quickly |
You feel sleepy the next morning, after getting a full night’s sleep You are experiencing vivid dreams You are experiencing headaches |
Also Check: Melatonin For Dogs With Seizures
Risks Of Taking Other Drugs With Melatonin
Taking melatonin in any amount can be dangerous if you are also taking certain other medications. Unfortunately, this includes medications that can also make it difficult to sleep. People who use blood pressure drugs, for example, may have a lower amount of naturally occurring melatonin. However, taking melatonin can cause blood pressure spikes, which could be incredibly dangerous.
On the other end of the spectrum, birth control pills can lead to elevated melatonin production. Taking a supplement could push your concentration into dangerous territory. Individuals using anticoagulants may see an increased risk of bleeding if they also use melatonin. Those on corticosteroids should also avoid the supplement. It also isnt wise to take melatonin in conjunction with caffeine or alcohol. Both of those substances impact circadian rhythms and natural melatonin production.
Read Also: Does Nugenix Have An Estrogen Blocker
How Does It Work
Melatonin supplements may improve sleep by boosting melatonin levels in people whose bodies do not produce enough of this hormone.
These supplements may also improve sleep in people who produce enough melatonin but still struggle to sleep for other reasons.
Melatonin changes how the body responds to darkness, helping it enter a rhythm of nighttime drowsiness.
Exposure to light at night including light from computer and television screens may suppress the bodys natural melatonin production and disrupt sleep.
Likewise, people who sleep during the day because they work at night may not produce melatonin when it is time to sleep. Melatonin supplements can help counteract this effect.
Research consistently shows that melatonin can help people sleep longer and fall asleep more quickly.
Although melatonin is a natural chemical, it is important to treat it the same as any other medication. It is possible for melatonin to interact harmfully with other drugs by reducing their effectiveness, triggering negative side effects, or changing the way that the body metabolizes the drug. People who take other medications should talk to a doctor before trying melatonin.
As with any medication, an allergic reaction is possible. People with a history of allergic reactions to supplements should avoid melatonin.
of melatonin in children show that it is safe, including in children with autism.
Read Also: Is 6 Mg Of Melatonin Too Much
Melatonin Dose For Children
Broadly speaking, Dr. Goldman doesnt have recommendations for children when using melatonin. In most cases with teens or younger children, trouble falling asleep is a behavioral issue or it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. In these cases, Dr. Goldman recommends working with a pediatrician or sleep medicine provider to diagnose the problem before using melatonin.
Is Melatonin Safe To Take Every Night
Americans arent sleeping well. Roughly 80% of U.S. adults say they struggle to fall asleep at least one night a week, according to a recent Consumer Reports survey. And research has found that sleep problems are also on the rise among adolescents.
While the causes of Americas sleep woes are up for debate, theres little disagreement about Americas favorite remedy: Melatonin, the countrys most-used sleep aid.
Don’t Miss: The Testosterone Revolution Mens Health
Is It Possible To Take Too Much Melatonin
Yes, you can take too much melatonin if you’re not careful. If you take too much at once, Dr. Rodriguez told POPSUGAR it can lead to headaches and even cause nightmares. If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms frequently on days you’ve taken a melatonin supplement, it could be the cause. In this instance, scale back on the dosage of melatonin you’re taking and speak with your doctor.
Can You Overdose On Melatonin How To Determine The Right Dosage For You
Melatonin is natural, but taking too much of the supplement may lead to adverse side effects. Heres how to recognize signs of a potential overdose.
Tossing and turning night after night can take a toll on your mental and physical health. This can make you feel sluggish, irritable, and achy throughout the day. So naturally you might seek a sleep aid for better rest.
Some people see results with over-the-counter and prescription sleeping pills. But before going down this path, consider a natural approach, like melatonin supplements.
Melatonin is a neurohormone that controls our sleep-wake cycle, and many formulations and dosages are available over the counter, explains Ofer Jacobowitz, MD, PhD, an otolaryngologist and sleep expert based in New York City. It can be useful when you are trying to advance your bedtime, especially when combined with reducing light exposure two hours before bedtime.
Melatonin is naturally produced by the pineal gland and gradually released into your bloodstream as you prepare for sleep. But if your body doesnt produce enough of this hormone, you may have problems falling asleep or staying asleep.
Melatonin supplements are generally safe when taken appropriately, but it is possible to overdo it. Read on to learn how to recognize a melatonin overdose.
Also Check: How To Get Cortisol Levels Checked
How Does Melatonin Come At The Store
In the U.S., melatonin pills can be purchased without a prescription in the pharmacy, grocery, or health food store. Pill strengths range from 1 milligram to 10 mg, but you should always start with the lowest dose to judge its effects. Some experts suggest to start with 0.3 to 0.5 mg thirty minutes before bedtime, instead of the higher doses. Cut a 1-mg immediate release tablet in half to get a 0.5 mg dose if lower doses are not available dont do this with time release products. Also, don’t drink alcohol with the time-release preparation, as it can disrupt the time-release mechanism.
Understanding Melatonins Role In Your Body
Melatonin is a hormone made naturally in your brain that plays a major role in regulating your sleep-wake cycle. Its what tells your body Hey, its getting late, time for bed, and alternatively, Hey, the sun is up, time to get up!
Light exposure inhibits the production of melatonin and darkness stimulates it, so melatonin levels in your brain increase as it starts to get dark outside, reaching peak levels in the middle of the night, and then decrease as dawn nears. Its also why you may feel drowsy during a particularly overcast day, or why you may wake up earlier in a room that faces east as the sun drenches the room.
You May Like: How To Balance Hormone Naturally
Your Melatonin Questions Answered
When I talk to my patients about their mental health, we ALWAYS discuss sleep. Its what I call a non-negotiable focus of mental health recovery. In my practice Ive observed a pattern of dangerous self-treatment when it comes to trying to get more sleep. More often than not my patients are reaching for over the counter medications and supplements, in particular, melatonin. In this article, were going to cover the basics of melatonin and its safe supplementation. Skip to the end if you just want the Need to Know.But Id encourage you to read the article because knowledge is empowering to your health!
Ch S Leffetti Negativi Di A Melatonina
Leffetti secundari di melatonina più cumuni includenu: Mal di testa. Vertigo. Nausea.Inoltre, i supplimenti di melatonina ponu interazzione cù diversi medicazione, cumprese: Anticoagulanti è droghe anti-platelet. Anticonvulsivi. Droghe contraceptive. Medicamenti di diabete. Medicazione chì supprime u sistema immune .
Posts Related
Recommended Reading: Metabolic Renewal Hormone Type 7
Not All Supplements Are Created Equal
As with all supplements and vitamins, melatonin is not regulated by the FDA. Because of this, available formulations will vary in accuracy of concentration. Erland reports a review of 31 commercially available melatonin supplements found that actual content varied from -83% +478% and lot to lot variability was as much as 465%. Additionally, 26% of the samples contained serotonin as a contaminant. My recommendation is to purchase physician-only brands. Theyre likely to be higher quality and have higher testing standards than those that arent.
Is It Ok To Take Melatonin Every Night
It is safe to take melatonin supplements every night, but only for the short term. This is because less information is available about its long-term safety. Administering melatonin in children also needs caution. Kindly contact your healthcare provider or pediatrician for more advice.
Taking the recommended dose of melatonin may increase your blood melatonin levels up to 20 times more than normal and give you side effects that include:
It will be safer to use melatonin for a short time. Consult your doctor if you wish to continue taking it in the long term.
You can try shifting from melatonin supplements to other options like meditation, muscle relaxation, biofeedback therapy, and more for your sleep issues.
If you find yourself getting addicted to melatonin supplements or suffer from any of its side effects, you need to reach out to your doctor.
You May Like: Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Testosterone Therapy
Read Also: Does L Theanine Lower Cortisol