Below, we will address some commonly encountered statements about melatonin and see if they are fact or fiction. Unlike prescription sleep aids, melatonin does not make your body fall asleep. Melatonin is just one of many chemicals released by our brain to regulate sleep.
Melatonin makes it easier for you to fall asleep, not forces you to fall asleep. Melatonin has shown no addictive properties in previous studies, unlike some prescription sleep aids. For most people, taking melatonin supplements for a short period of time, such as weeks, is all that is needed to get the body back on a normal sleep cycle and able to produce its own melatonin.
Melatonin does not need to be taken long term because the body can produce it by itself. Melatonin is available in strengths from mg over-the-counter. Despite there being a 10mg strength, most people do not see any additional benefit from doses above 5mg.
Starting at a lower dose, like mg, is the best to prevent adverse side effects. Supplements like melatonin do not have side effects and do not affect prescription medications.
No medication or supplement is without possible side effects. Common side effects of melatonin include headache, dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness. Rare, but more serious side effects can include reduced alertness in the morning, anxiety, and irritability.
Since melatonin is a hormone the body produces, many people are comfortable using it over extended periods. Alcohol and melatonin, when taken at the same time, causes various side effects. Some of these include redness in the face, increased irritability, and swelling of the hands or feet. Beyond these disorienting symptoms, there are more serious ones. When taken together, alcohol and melatonin can cause elevated heart rates, fatigue, drowsiness, difficulties in breathing, and sudden unconsciousness.
Being susceptible to passing out could put you in extreme danger, especially if you operate heavy machinery, are driving, or are walking outside or in potentially hazardous situations. You might find yourself in a collision or another serious accident.
The safest dose for this sleep aid is the lowest one effective in helping you fall asleep. Start with a dose between 0. Dose strength depends on your age, your sensitivity to the supplement, and your body weight. Too much melatonin is counterproductive since it produces the opposite effect to its intended purpose.
Using too much could make sleeping more difficult since it could disrupt your circadian rhythms. Overdosing could also cause you to feel groggy during the day and cause you to experience vivid dreams or nightmares. Aside from feeling the side effects mentioned above, you could also develop joint pain and feelings of anxiety from too much melatonin. Furthermore, if you take medications that lower your blood pressure, like calcium channel blockers or beta-blockers, you might also see lower effectivity from the supplement.
Be sure to speak with your doctor about the specific combination of supplements and medications you use. Sometimes, taking a supplement for lower levels is not the most advisable way to get more sleep, especially if you take medicine for other chronic ailments. Melatonin is a sleep supplement that helps the body realign its sleep cycle and follow natural circadian rhythms. As with anything you take for health, it is best to consult your doctor before taking this sleep aid.
Sign in. Log into your account. Password recovery. Forgot your password? To easily fall asleep at night with peace of mind is a luxury for some. There are many ways you can do it.
Once you address these issues and cope the healthy way, in no time, you can sleep peacefully at night. Addiction to sleeping pills might also become a problem and lead to physical dependence. You can consult with a mental health professional as well. Sleeping pill abuse can be classified as a substance abuse disorder, so before you develop an addiction to sleeping pills, consult with a therapist right away.
Learn more tips on how you can sleep better at night. Enjoy your life and say goodbye to those sleepless nights. Kentucky Counseling Center is a mental health agency specializing in counseling, psychiatry, and case management. We accept Medicaid and most major insurance plans. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Skip to content. What Are Sleeping Pills? What is Sleeping Pills Addiction? The side effects of sleeping pills include: Burning or tingling sensation in the extremities arms, hands, feet, and legs Uncontrollable shaking of the extremities Changes in the appetite overeating or eating less Lack of balance or coordination Dizziness or headache Feeling drowsy during the daytime Feeling thirsty all the time or have dry mouth Passing of gas or farts always Heartburn or acid reflux Feeling sleepy or groggy the next day Memory or attention problems Stomach upset Unusual dreams Feeling tired or weak all the time Sleeping pills, in combination with alcohol and other sleep aids, can produce negative side effects.
Is Melatonin A Sleeping Pill? Exercise every day for at least 30 minutes in the morning or afternoon. Avoid high-intensity exercises hours before bedtime. Although, relaxing yoga can be done before bedtime to promote sleep. This helps a person feel calm, focused and improves the mood during the day. At night, the dark light triggers the brain to produce the hormone melatonin, which helps fall asleep.
Take a hot shower before bedtime. Drink warm milk before bed. Try meditation, relaxation techniques, and deep breathing exercises before going to bed. Make sure to have a relaxing sleeping environment. It would be best if you had a comfortable bed, pillow, mattress, and blanket.
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