Though concealers and filters are doing a good job of hiding your dark circles, nothing can hide your mental imbalance and deteriorating physical health which is getting affected by the lack of sleep. Melatonin is a kind of hormone that is released when you are in darkness and helps you sleep. The production of melatonin in the body is affected when you are exposed to light during the 24-hour internal clock which is also known as the circadian rhythm.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone released by the pineal gland in the brain that regulates the sleep-wake cycles. People suffering from difficulty sleeping which may be due to stress or any medical condition, have lower levels of melatonin in their body. In such a situation, one can take a melatonin supplement which is produced artificially. Besides using melatonin to treat insomnia, it is also said to have other health benefits. Melatonin supplements for sleep, depression, and other health problems are found over the counter as gargles, creams, gels, gummies, syrups, or tablets. Consult your healthcare provider to determine which type of product will suit your concern and the dosage that you will be using.
Uses and Benefits
Improves sleep cycle
Melatonin is known to induce sleep in people with insomnia. It decreases the time taken to fall asleep, improves the overall sleep quality, and increases the total sleep time. Sometimes there are sleep disturbances in people who take blood pressure medication or beta blocker drugs, taking sleep melatonin gummies can reduce that. Also, it improves the sleep of children and adults who are blind if they consume melatonin 24 hours before bedtime.
Read also: is plant-based melatonin for sleep safe and effective?
Reduces Depression and Anxiety
Melatonin controls seasonal affective disorder or seasonal depression. This type of depression is related to the change in the season and it appears the same time of the year. The change in the light of the specific season causes circadian rhythm which can be one of the reasons for seasonal depression. Consuming melatonin supplements for depression regularly can reduce symptoms of seasonal depression and anxiety. It also helps in lowering anxiety before surgery.
Improves Cell Regeneration
Human growth hormone is important for body growth, and cell regeneration, and increases strength and muscle mass. Consuming melatonin is beneficial for men.
Improves Eye Health
The high antioxidants in melatonin keep our eyes healthy as it prevents eye damage. Melatonin benefits are shown in treating eye-related conditions such as glaucoma muscular degeneration. Consuming melatonin continuously for over 2 years can improve visual clarity, and age-related eye damage and keep the retina healthy. Melatonin has also proved to reduce the severity of retinopathy.
Treats GRED
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is the condition in which the acid in the stomach goes back into the esophagus causing heartburn, belching, and nausea. Melatonin is said to control heartburn and GERD as it restricts the flow of stomach acids and controls the secretion of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide allows the toxic acid from the stomach to enter the esophagus by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter.
Reduces Sunburn
Applying melatonin gel before getting exposed to the sun reduces sunburn. Melatonin acts as a sunscreen for people with sensitive skin.
As a Treatment for Cancer
Melatonin increases the blood platelet count which is related to cancer treatment. Melatonin when taken under the supervision of the doctor along with other medications and chemotherapy, also increases the possibility of survival and decreases the size of the tumor in people suffering from cancer.
As a Painkiller
Consuming melatonin gives relief to women with jaw and muscle pain. It also gives relief from migraine pain.
Dosage
Generally, it is safe to take melatonin 0.5-10mg per day. One should check with the physician or stick to the dosage on the label to avoid adverse effects before consuming melatonin. To be on the safe side, start taking melatonin in low doses and gradually increase as per your need. To use melatonin as a sleeping pill, take it 30 minutes before going to bed. To improve your sleep cycle, consume melatonin 2-3 hours before bed.
Children should stick to having 3mg of melatonin daily whereas an adult should take 5mg of melatonin daily. Children should consume melatonin only if the doctor prescribes it.
Effectiveness
Melatonin is said to be less effective as compared to other sleep medications because it shows fewer side effects. Although melatonin has shown significant effectiveness in increasing human growth hormone among men. Melatonin has been proven to be effective in treating heartburn and GERD when taken alone or with other medications.
Safety and Side Effects
Melatonin in the short and long term is safe to consume without any concern. It is rumored that melatonin may reduce the body’s ability to naturally produce melatonin but research shows it otherwise. Some of the common side effects associated with the consumption of melatonin are dizziness, nausea, sleepiness, and headache. Consult your doctor before taking melatonin if you are already taking medication for blood pressure, antidepressants, and blood thinners. Melatonin benefits are more than its mild side effects among adults.
It is advised not to handle machinery or drive after taking melatonin for 4-5 hours. Avoid using melatonin if you are pregnant to trying to conceive as it shows a similar effect as birth control pills. Avoid using melatonin if you are bleeding, have repeated episodes of seizures, or have more than one transplant.
Conclusion
Melatonin in low to moderate dosage and with minimum side effects, is the best option to improve sleep, GERD symptoms, eye health, and depression. Melatonin is not recommended for children though. It is found that melatonin benefits in improving the overall life quality of a person by consuming melatonin. Short-time use of melatonin is usually safe. it is recommended to take the advice of a professional before taking any medication and melatonin supplements for sleep or other health issues.
Visit our website Sova Health and check out the melatonin gummies that will help you tackle your sleep-related issues. The melatonin gummies are ayurvedic supplements that are sugar-free and relax the muscles and nerves, thus improving sleep quality. Our sleep melatonin gummies will not just improve sleep quality but also restore your sleep cycle and you wake up feeling fresh and rejuvenated.
