The Benefits of Melatonin to Achieve Quality Sleep

The Benefits of Melatonin to Achieve Quality Sleep : Getting regular and quality sleep is important to maintaining good health. It allows you to recharge and keep your mind and body healthy. Most adults require between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. Children need even more sleep to encourage growth.

According to World Sleep Day, 35% of people do not feel they get enough sleep. Fatigue due to lack of sleep can lead to moodiness, decreased attention span, and a higher risk for diseases and medical conditions.

There are many reasons for sleep to be interrupted including stress, traveling across time zones, and working inconsistent shifts. Struggling to sleep can be frustrating but there are a variety of things you can do to help. In addition to keeping a consistent bedtime routine and creating a comfortable sleep environment, people with sleep issues also rely on sleeping pills.

Your body has a natural clock known as circadian rhythm. One of those clocks is your sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that helps you sleep when it’s time and keeps you in rhythm. It is produced by the pineal gland, which is located in the brain. It’s then released into the bloodstream, which signals your body to peacefully fall asleep. The production and release of melatonin naturally increase when you are in a dark environment and decrease when it’s light. Its main job is to orient your circadian rhythm and tell your body it is time for sleep. It is commonly referred to as the “sleep hormone.” As you get older, your body can start to produce less melatonin.

Melatonin can also be made synthetically and sold as a supplement. Melatonin tablets are one of the more common sleep aids. There are many benefits to using it to assist you in getting a restful night of sleep.

Regulates Sleep Cycle

Using melatonin as a sleep aid can help your sleep-wake cycle return to normal. It is especially useful if you are experiencing insomnia, jet lag, or working abnormal shifts where your circadian rhythm has been disrupted. Using melatonin can help you get back on a routine sleep schedule quickly.

Limited Side Effects

Some prescription sleep aids will leave you feeling foggy or disoriented the following day. There are no major side effects linked to the use of melatonin and it is well tolerated by a lot of people. Since it is a naturally occurring hormone, your body is familiar with it. By using a melatonin supplement, you can likely avoid the medicinal hangover the next morning.

Easily Accessible

Melatonin supplements are sold over-the-counter and are not prescription. Typical dosages range from 1 mg to 10 mg. It can affect each person differently so it is important to consult your medical provider on what might work for you. Once you have found a dosage that works, you can purchase melatonin tablets without going through a doctor.

Non-Addictive

Mayo Clinic calls melatonin “generally safe” and there is no evidence to show that using it causes long-term dependence. You can simply take it as needed to regulate your sleep cycle. It has been shown to be relatively safe for most people using it short term. This makes it an appealing solution to anyone looking for a gentle sleep aid.

Safe for Children

In some instances, melatonin can be useful and safe for children who suffer from sleep issues due to a variety of disorders. As always, you will want to consult with your child’s doctor before introducing the sleep aid. When it is effective, this can be a huge relief for parents of unrestful children.

Melatonin continues to be researched to learn what other benefits it offers beyond regulating your sleep cycle. Researchers are studying eye health improvement, reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, protecting cardiovascular health, and lessening the risk for many other chronic medical conditions. The developments surrounding the positive effects of melatonin continue to evolve and offer hopeful results.

Lack of sleep or poor-quality sleep can have both short-term and long-term negative impacts on your physical and mental health. If you are experiencing abnormal sleep patterns, talk to your healthcare provider about using a sleep aid. Melatonin tablets can offer a low-risk solution to help regulate your sleep cycle and return to a happy, healthy life.