Melatonin Supplement for Sleep Regulation

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland in the brain that regulates sleep-wake cycles. It is commonly used as a supplement to improve sleep quality.
Category
Supplement
Where to get
Available over the counter at pharmacies and health food stores.
Applicable for
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Jane Cox

Melatonin FAQ


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What is melatonin and how does it work?

About melatonin Melatonin is a hormone that occurs naturally in your body. It helps control your sleep patterns. You can take a manmade version of melatonin for short-term sleep problems (insomnia). It makes you fall asleep quicker and less likely to wake up during the night. It can also help with symptoms of jetlag.

How does melatonin help you sleep?

It helps control your sleep cycle. The body produces melatonin just after it gets dark, peaking in the early hours of the morning and reducing during daylight hours. Melatonin acts on receptors in your body to encourage sleep. Taking melatonin tablets adds to your body's natural supply of the hormone.

Is melatonin a good sleep supplement?

Melatonin is a common dietary supplement that has gained widespread popularity around the globe. Though renowned as a natural sleep aid, it also has powerful effects on other aspects of your health. This article reviews the benefits and potential side effects of melatonin, as well as its best dosage. What Is Melatonin?

How does light affect melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone created by the pineal gland in the brain that’s released into the bloodstream. Darkness prompts the pineal gland to start producing melatonin , while light causes it to stop.

Is melatonin a dietary supplement?

Melatonin created within the body is endogenous melatonin, but it can also be produced externally. Exogenous melatonin is normally made synthetically, and as a dietary supplement, is often sold as a pill, capsule, chewable, liquid, or patch. Melatonin produced by the body plays a fundamental role in getting quality sleep.

How does melatonin affect sleep?

Melatonin is a hormone that occurs naturally in your body. At night, your levels of melatonin rise, before returning to normal during the day. This helps to control how and when you sleep. You can take a synthetic version of melatonin for short periods if you have sleep problems such as insomnia.

How long does it take for melatonin to work?

You'll usually take melatonin for just a few weeks to help with short-term sleep problems (insomnia). However, it is sometimes prescribed for up to 13 weeks. For sleep problems in adults, the usual dose is one 2mg tablet. Take the tablet 1 to 2 hours before bedtime. This is because the medicine takes a couple of hours to start working.

Melatonin References

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