Know what? All I want is a little more melatonin in my life so that I can sleep like a baby.
Such a wish sound bizarre to you? Then you likely don't have problems getting a good night's sleep. Otherwise you wouldn't be asking why a sleep aid of all things?
The reason is pretty simple really. You see, melatonin is a brain hormone that in supplement form can help you fall asleep and stay asleep. It is so powerful that research is ongoing into using melatonin as an insomnia treatment.
You see as this hormone secreted by our pineal gland it controls our sleep cycle. You'd be surprised to know that even a tiny drop in the melatonin production can deprive you of valuable sleep time. This is quite a common complaint as the amount of this produced naturally tapers off with age.
But you don't have to worry if your melatonin level dips since a good night of sleep will restore it. You see as darkness descends and when you're asleep your brain produces this hormone automatically. But there is a hitch! Sleep requires melatonin and melatonin requires sleep. See the dilemma?
Melatonin supplements can get you over the hump. Long used to deal with jet lag and shift-work issues, more and more it is thought to be a possible treatment of other sleep disorders as well.
It's a fact that even a small dose of melatonin can rescue those who work swing shift. Plus it works with few if any side affects. Leaving you bright eyed and bushy tailed the next morning too.
Another advantage of melatonin is that there are no lingering effects after you stop using it.
Yet this supplement is not regulated as a drug by the FDA. So it lacks FDA approval and there is no proof that it really works and is safe. In fact some report that too much melatonin can cause headaches, depression, grogginess and nausea. Others complain of extremely vivid and bothersome dreams.
Lack of regulation also means quality can vary unexpectedly too.
And for best results, you shouldn't consume alcohol or take other medications with melatonin. Because this can impact how your prescription drugs work.
The bottom line? Melatonin is probably about as effective many modern OTC sleep aids. And it's a great help if you are dealing with the affects of jet lag. But if are suffering from insomnia or other more serious sleep disorders get to the root of the problem. Don't try to skate by on melatonin alone.
Such a wish sound bizarre to you? Then you likely don't have problems getting a good night's sleep. Otherwise you wouldn't be asking why a sleep aid of all things?
The reason is pretty simple really. You see, melatonin is a brain hormone that in supplement form can help you fall asleep and stay asleep. It is so powerful that research is ongoing into using melatonin as an insomnia treatment.
You see as this hormone secreted by our pineal gland it controls our sleep cycle. You'd be surprised to know that even a tiny drop in the melatonin production can deprive you of valuable sleep time. This is quite a common complaint as the amount of this produced naturally tapers off with age.
But you don't have to worry if your melatonin level dips since a good night of sleep will restore it. You see as darkness descends and when you're asleep your brain produces this hormone automatically. But there is a hitch! Sleep requires melatonin and melatonin requires sleep. See the dilemma?
Melatonin supplements can get you over the hump. Long used to deal with jet lag and shift-work issues, more and more it is thought to be a possible treatment of other sleep disorders as well.
It's a fact that even a small dose of melatonin can rescue those who work swing shift. Plus it works with few if any side affects. Leaving you bright eyed and bushy tailed the next morning too.
Another advantage of melatonin is that there are no lingering effects after you stop using it.
Yet this supplement is not regulated as a drug by the FDA. So it lacks FDA approval and there is no proof that it really works and is safe. In fact some report that too much melatonin can cause headaches, depression, grogginess and nausea. Others complain of extremely vivid and bothersome dreams.
Lack of regulation also means quality can vary unexpectedly too.
And for best results, you shouldn't consume alcohol or take other medications with melatonin. Because this can impact how your prescription drugs work.
The bottom line? Melatonin is probably about as effective many modern OTC sleep aids. And it's a great help if you are dealing with the affects of jet lag. But if are suffering from insomnia or other more serious sleep disorders get to the root of the problem. Don't try to skate by on melatonin alone.
About the Author:
Freelancer Kyleen T Shugar has written extensively about CPAP machines, sleep apnea treatment options and circadian rhythms. She has even explored the benefits of the power nap while reviewing various CPAP masks. If you need help with your sleep apnea a visit to Less-Snoring.com might be the answer.
