Melatonin and Sleep – What you Need to Know

Melatonin is a very unique hormone because it can only be released in the dark. It functions by preparing your body for sleep. Melatonin levels in your body will increase about 2 hours before bed. As such, you will experience a sleepy feeling and have a restful night.

Melatonin does a lot more than make you feel sleepy. It also helps your body to stay asleep through the night. The National Sleep Foundation has deduced that melatonin levels will remain elevated in your blood for at least 12 hours. These levels will drop during the day. Most people produce a lot of melatonin to fall asleep and stay asleep without any issues.

However, most people may not be this fortunate. Additionally, the human body may not produce enough melatonin through the natural process. As such, you may be forced to supplement using synthetic melatonin. Some of the available oral forms of synthetic melatonin include CBD melatonin gummies, liquid, pills, capsules and chewable. You can also buy the hormone in other forms such as melatonin sprays, patches, powder and creams. There are also foods that help with melatonin production.

Is It Safe To Take Melatonin?

Yes, melatonin is actually safe to use for short-term periods. However, a lot of research is underway on the benefits of melatonin for long-term usage. 

Does Melatonin Cause Side Effects?

Some of the known side effects of melatonin include drowsiness, irritability, headache, diarrhea and nausea. In some instances, melatonin may also worsen depressive symptoms.

Can You Overdose On Melatonin?

Yes, it’s possible to overdose on melatonin. Symptoms of an overdose appear like some of the common side effects and may include tremors, low blood pressure and low body temperature.

How Do You Take Melatonin?

Melatonin is available in various forms. Some of the available oral forms include pills, gummies, capsules, chewable and liquid. It is also available as powder, sprays, creams and patches.

Melatonin Dosage – How Much Should You Take?

Some melatonin brands may suggest a dosage of 5-10mg per night. Yes, this may be the recommendation but most adults don’t require more than 1-3mg of dosage every night. It’s ideal to start with a dose of 0.3mg. Keep in mind that the right dosage for you may vary from that of another person. Finding the right dosage is trial and error. However, it’s ideal to take less. Rather than starting a high dosage and reducing as you go, you can start with a lower dosage and increase as you proceed for people doing nightshifts or that find it hard to sleep.