Does Melatonin Help You Sleep? -sleep aid

Do you know that our body is equipped with an internal biological sleep clock? In other words, there is a ‘device’ in our body to send signal to regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

For your information, this biological clock functions effectively with the presence of a hormone called Melatonin.

In fact, melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland which is a sleep and body clock regulator.

What is the relationship between melatonin and our biological clock?

Does melatonin help you sleep? Well, melatonin, working together with our biological clock informed the brain when it is time to sleep. But bear in mind that melatonin does not increase your sleep drive or need for sleep.

Do you want to know why melatonin is given a nickname ‘Vampire hormone’?

It is due to the reason that melatonin is primarily produced in darkness and inhibited by light. In fact, the presence of light during sleep will actually affect the production of melatonin. As a result, the biological clock tends to go the wrong direction.

Melatonin As Sleep Aid

So, in situation where there is a short supply of melatonin, how can we find remedy so that our biological clock can function effectively and will not go the wrong direction?

Let’s look at the alternative supplements of melatonin below.

Melatonin 5 mg Time Release by Natrol – 100 Tabs
$6.82
Was $11.99

Time Release – the melatonin is slowly released to the body over a certain period of time during sleep. This enable the body to have more consistent release. Hence may help in taking fewer tablets.

Take 1 tablet 20 minutes before sleep.

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Melatonin Liquid, 2.5 mg by Natrol – 8 fl oz
$8.53
Was $14.99

Just a few drops to give you the natural sleep support. It’s quick and easy.

Take 2 tsp (10 ml) 20 minutes before bedtime. You may take Melatonin liquid directly or mixed it with water or juice.

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Melatonin 1 mg, Two Stage Release by Now Foods – 100 Tabs
$4.78
Was $8.99

Formulated to release its melatonin slowly throughout the night.

Contains 1 mg melatonin plus niacin and vitamin B6 to help release the active ingredient.

The B vitamins dissipate the melatonin once it’s ingested and help better circulation throughout the night.

Take 1 tablet 1 hour before bedtime.

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Melatonin Supplements Sleep

Melatonin supplement is a non habit forming tablet, thus there is no worries of being addicted. It acts as a night time sleep aid that helps with occasional sleeplessness and reduce overall anxiety. Melatonin supplement also helps in establishing normal sleep patterns hence contributing to a more restful, relaxing sleep.

As most of us are aware, it is important to have adequate sleep for overall health and performance. The lack of sleep often results in mood swing, inability to focus and respond quickly. Further more, inadequate sleep weakens the body immune system thus exposes the body to viruses, illness or diseases.

However, it should be noted that melatonin supplement should not be taken for prolong used. Long term usage at 10 mg per day requires recommendation and supervision by a health care personnel.

Medical experts indicate that a short term usage of around 3 months or less at an amount of 10 mg per day should raise no harm to a healthy adult.

Melatonin and Side Effects

Kindly be reminded that melatonin supplement is not intended for person under 18 years of age.

It’s not intended also for pregnant or lactating woman under medical supervision, on any prescription drugs, including tranquilizers or sadatives, have autoimmune condition or depressive disorder.

There could be common side effects like headache, stomach discomfort, morning grogginess, daytime ‘hangover’ or feeling of heavy head.