what is melatonin

Therefore, it is often used as a sleep aid for problems such as insomnia. In addition to improving sleep, melatonin is involved in managing immune function, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. Additionally, it acts as an antioxidant, which has been found to significantly affect many health conditions. In fact, studies show melatonin can improve eye health, reduce symptoms of seasonal depression, and even ease acid reflux.

Melatonin is often called the sleep hormone—and for good reason. It is one of the most popular sleep aids and a common natural remedy for problems such as insomnia. Multiple studies have shown that melatonin can support better sleep.

Reduce symptoms of seasonal depression

Increases levels of human growth hormone

Melatonin is rich in antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and keep your eyes healthy. In fact, research suggests that melatonin may be beneficial in the treatment of conditions such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Supplementation with 3 mg of melatonin over 6-24 months helps protect the retina, delay age-related damage and maintain clear vision. In addition, melatonin reduced the severity and incidence of retinopathy - an eye disease that affects the retina and can lead to vision loss.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition caused by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn , nausea and belching . Melatonin has been shown to block the secretion of stomach acid. It also reduces the production of nitric oxide, a compound that relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to enter the esophagus.

You can increase melatonin levels without supplementation:

2. Too much artificial light can reduce the production of melatonin in the brain, making it harder for you to fall asleep.

dose

You may also want to start with a lower dose and then increase it as needed to find what works for you. If you are using melatonin to improve sleep quality, try taking it 30 minutes before bed for maximum effect. Meanwhile, if you're using it to correct your circadian rhythm and establish a more regular sleep schedule, you should take it about 2-3 hours before bedtime.

Studies have shown that short- and long-term use of melatonin in adults is safe and non-addictive. Additionally, despite concerns that melatonin supplementation may reduce the body's ability to naturally produce melatonin, some research suggests otherwise.

2. Some of the most common side effects associated with melatonin include nausea, headache, dizziness, and drowsiness.

Who should not take melatonin

Adolescents are in a period of growth and development, and their physical condition is constantly evolving. If they are chronically dependent on melatonin to supplement their body with nutrients, they are likely to become dependent.

Pregnant women with babies should not take melatonin for long periods of time. Melatonin can effectively treat mental illness, but it also has a strong stimulating effect on pregnant women, so pregnant women should not take it, otherwise it may have certain effects on the fetus.

If a patient with nephritis takes melatonin for a long time, it may aggravate the condition and lead to complications of various diseases. Therefore, many patients with nephritis cannot take melatonin.

Although melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced in the body, taking too much supplemental melatonin can disrupt your circadian rhythm (also known as the sleep-wake cycle). It can also cause other unwanted side effects.

Young children should avoid melatonin use unless otherwise directed by their doctor. Doses of 1 to 5 milligrams (mg) may cause seizures or other complications in young children. In adults, the standard dose used in studies is between 1 and 10 mg, although there is no established "optimal" dose. Doses in the 30 mg range are thought to be potentially harmful.

How much melatonin should I take?

Symptoms of Melatonin Overdose

• nausea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• irritability or anxiety
• diarrhea
• joint pain

However, taking supplements to compensate for lower melatonin levels may not always be advisable. Be sure to check with your doctor about melatonin and any other supplements you take if you take medications that help control your blood pressure.

Because melatonin affects your sleep-wake cycle, avoid taking it with alcohol or caffeine . These interfere with your circadian rhythm and natural melatonin production.

For example, birth control pills may cause your body to start producing more melatonin, so taking supplements may push your levels into an unhealthy range.

If you take corticosteroids to suppress your immune response to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, you should avoid taking melatonin.

Melatonin improves sleep, eye health, seasonal depression, HGH levels, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Doses of 0.5-10 mg per day appear to be effective, but it is best to follow label recommendations. Melatonin is safe with minimal side effects, but may interact with certain medications. Not recommended for children at this time.