Insomnia — a frequent companion of chronic fatigue and stress. Without proper rest, it is impossible to work productively and solve problems effectively. In some cases, melatonin is recommended for sleep. It is considered a dietary supplement and sold in pharmacies without a prescription. The temptation is great to take a pill to finally have a good rest. But everything is not so clear. Although this substance has few contraindications, the appropriateness and safety of its use is questionable.
- Melatonin for sleep: how the hormone works in the body
- In what are the most common uses of a bioadditive
- 5 reasons to think twice before taking melatonin
- How to sleep without melatonin and other synthetic substances
- Highlights on melatonin for sleep and its action
Melatonin for sleep: how the hormone works in the body
Melatonin — it is a hormone responsible for the daily biorhythms of a person. It is used as a hypnotic, but, unlike conventional medicines, this substance does not have serious contraindications. With age, the production of melatonin in the body decreases, so for people over 50 years old, such a dietary supplement can be very useful.
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Another feature of melatonin: it is closely related to serotonin, increases its production, and therefore improves mood. From this hormone has a double benefit — quality sleep and a feeling of joy. For people who do not tolerate jet lag, melatonin helps to adapt without worsening well-being and mood swings.
Read also: Hormones and harmony: the connection between the psyche and the human body
In what cases do you most often take a bioadditive
Melatonin for sleep is recommended for certain types of insomnia. It helps to cope with delayed sleep phase syndrome, in which it is not possible to fall asleep before 2-3 hours of the night. Suffering from this type of insomnia, a person does not rest. Getting up in the morning, he feels overwhelmed and unhappy, gets irritated, gets tired quickly. This is bad for performance and relationships with others.
If melatonin is used solely to solve the problem of insomnia and not to exceed the dosage, there should be no side effects. However, this applies only to healthy people. If you have a disease and a person is forced to take medication, you should consult with your doctor before buying a dietary supplement.
Read also: How the hormone melatonin helps prevent aging
5 reasons to think twice before taking melatonin
For all the benefits of melatonin for sleep, this supplement should be treated with caution. There are 5 reasons not to take it unnecessarily:
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It's a hormone. As harmless as melatonin may be, it still remains a hormone, which means that its intake affects the entire endocrine system, including the hypothalamus and pineal gland. With this dietary supplement, the situation is the same as with contraceptive pills: they are harmless, but can lead to hormonal imbalance in the body.
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Melatonin does not help you fall asleep.It regulates sleep phases, but sleep has little effect, so don take it as a normal sleeping pill.
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Influence on immunity. Melatonin provides protection against free radicals and supports the immune system. But & nbsp; all these beneficial properties gives a normal amount of natural hormone. If synthetic is added, the consequences are unpredictable.
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The ability to aggravate insomnia. Constantly taking a hormone, a person accustoms the body to its excess amount. Over time, tolerance develops to any substance, and it works worse.
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Difficulties with selection of dosage.What is good for one, for another — poison. Endocrine system — complex mechanism, and it is impossible for different people to give the same recommendations regarding hormone doses.
An overdose of melatonin or a too long course of administration can lead to negative consequences: vasoconstriction, decreased immunity, and impaired thyroid function. And a group of scientists from the Netherlands, having tested the effect of the hormone on the human body, concluded that it can reduce the ability to conceive.
How to sleep without melatonin and other synthetic substances
To sleep better, follow these tips:
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Keep rituals in mind. Establish healthy bedtime habits such as reading, taking a bath or warm shower.
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Turn off your gadgets. the brain reacts to it like it daytime.
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Sleep in complete darkness. Get blackout curtains and ditch the nightlights.
It is important to work out an optimal sleep schedule and stick to it. It is worth taking care of comfort of rest: buy comfortable bedding, use relaxing techniques — pleasant scents, soothing sounds, soft fabrics.
Read also: Insomnia overcomes every night: what to do
Highlights on melatonin for sleep and its action
Melatonin can really be useful if you need to adapt to changing time zones or insomnia is associated with disturbed sleep phases. Take it with caution:
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Remember, it's a hormone. It affects the entire hormonal system of the body. The consequences of long-term use can be quite unpleasant.
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Melatonin does not affect the process of falling asleep. It regulates sleep phases.
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Optimal dosage — question is individual. It is better to discuss it with doctor.
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There are other ways to get rid of insomnia. They are worth considering.
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Melatonin is available in tablets, capsules, sublingual pills and even drops. Choose any form convenient for you. But first, think again if you really cannot handle insomnia without a hormone.
Read also: Why it's good to sleep without clothes: 7 reasons to undress
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