Sleeping optimally is essential when it comes to enjoying of certain physical and mental well-being. However, more and more people are experiencing difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night, something that ends up negatively affecting health and quality of life. Among the best remedies for these sleep problems, melatonin has emerged as a quite popular supplement when it comes to falling asleep and resting optimally.
In the following article, we are going to talk to you about the effectiveness of melatonin as an aid to sleeping peacefully and peacefully. of its possible adverse effects as far as health is concerned.
How melatonin works
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain, which regulates the body's sleep-wake cycle. Your production will increase in response to the darkness, helping to induce sleep. Melatonin acts on receptors in the brain that regulate the circadian rhythm, signaling to the body that it is time to sleep and rest. Additionally, melatonin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may contribute to sleep quality and well-being.
Melatonin can occur in two types or forms:
- Immediate action to facilitate the onset of sleep.
- long acting It will be absorbed more slowly by the body and has a much longer effect. What is sought with this type of melatonin is to maintain sleep for as long as possible.
Is melatonin effective at bedtime?
Various studies have investigated the effectiveness of melatonin in the treatment of sleep disorders, as occurs in the case of insomnia. The results of such studies are very varied and different. Some studies concluded that melatonin reduces the time it takes to fall asleep and improves sleep quality in people with sleep disorders.
Other studies, for their part, found that melatonin was effective in reducing the time needed to fall asleep in older adults with mild insomnia. However, it should be noted that melatonin may not be effective for everyone, and results may vary. depending on the dose taken or taking into account another series of individual factors.
Some important considerations about melatonin
Before starting to take melatonin, it is very important to consult a health professional, especially if you are taking other medications or have pre-existing medical conditions. Melatonin can interact with some medications, such as anticoagulants or antidepressants.
Furthermore, it should be noted that melatonin is not suitable for everyone. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, people with mood disorders, and children should avoid taking them without medical supervision. It is also advisable to follow the instructions when taking it and Avoid long-term use without professional supervision.
Possible adverse effects of melatonin
If the proper dosage is taken and done under the supervision of a professional, Ingesting melatonin is completely safe. In the long term it is effective in treating sleep problems such as insomnia. However, despite this, it is thought that taking melatonin excessively and for a long time can lead to a series of risks and dangers:
- Headaches along with dizziness, vomiting and nausea.
- Although it is less common, it can also cause anxiety, irritability and depression.
- Excessive intake of melatonin can also cause the opposite effect and have a negative impact on the sleep cycle and cause nightmares or night terrors.
Apart from these consequences and risks, professionals in the field advise against taking melatonin. In the following cases:
- During pregnancy or while the mother is breastfeeding.
- When the person suffers from epilepsy or has been transplanted with some type of organ.
- If you are following any type of treatment based on anticoagulants or antihypertensives.
Apart from this, it is advised that in the case of children and young people Melatonin-based treatment should not exceed 6 months.
What are the differences between a drug and a melatonin supplement?
It is important to know how to differentiate between a drug whose main element is melatonin and a supplement in which melatonin itself is another ingredient. In this case, melatonin as a drug or medicine has undergone all evaluations that the drugs will require. It must be proven effective through various research. In the case of supplements this is not going to happen or happen.
On the market you can find the most varied supplements with melatonin. However, there are only two drugs with melatonin that are authorized: On the one hand there is the pediatric one and on the other hand there is the adult one. In the case of the drug for adults, it is a medication prescribed for people who have problems resting in an optimal and adequate way. In the case of children's melatonin, the drug is indicated for cases of insomnia in children.
In short, melatonin may be a good option when it comes to improving sleep in certain people, especially those with sleep disorders related to the circadian rhythm. However, the effectiveness of melatonin will vary depending on the person and a number of other factors. It is important to use it responsibly and consult a health professional before starting to take melatonin. As a final piece of information, it should be noted that improving sleep quality It will require a comprehensive approach, including healthy sleep habits and proper attention to any underlying problems.