Melatonin Supplements
Melatonin supplements are readily available as a single ingredient sleep aid supplement or as part of a combination of different ingredients.Turning to sleep aid medication - whether it is prescription, over the counter or considered a "natural" sleep aid - is allvery tempting after just a few nights of restless sleep, let alone several weeks, months or years of troubled sleep.
Melatonin Benefits
Melatonin benefits our sleep wake cycle and helps to induce sleep when the sun goes down. It known as the "sleep hormone" because the body naturally produces it in response to darkness or dim light.
Melatonin Dosage
There is no standard recommendation for what is considered a safe melatonin dosage. Rarely do people have a melatonin deficiency. However the amount of light at night does influence the body's response to secreting this hormone. You can naturally "help" your body get ready for sleep by stimulating melatonin secretions with reduced light. Start preparing for sleep by reducing the amount of light you are exposed to. Three way lamps in your bedroom make it possible to adjust the amount of light you are exposed to. Use the lowest setting while getting ready for bed. Rather than turning on bright overhead bathroom lights, use a small night light or lamp as you brush your teeth and wash your face. Melatonin levels peak around 2:00 AM. However, be sure your bedroom is dark. Use room darkening shades and close doors that allow any light into your room.
Melatonin Safety
Melatonin safety is still being debated. As with any drug or supplement, it is better to have the body make the amount of melatonin that is needed for good sleep. Just because it is considered "natural" does not mean it is safe. It is a hormone and in fact this sleep aid supplement is not even available over the counter in Europe. Because it is not considered a drug in the United States it is not under the regulation of the Food and Drug Administration.
Melatonin Side Effects
Melatonin side effects vary with each individual and are dependent on the amount of melatonin supplements one takes and how frequently it is taken. Some people may experience side effects after one dosage, others only after long term use while others state that they have not experienced any side effects at all.Some of the more common side effects are nausea, headaches, dizziness and sometimes daytime drowsiness.
Melatonin for Children
If your child is having trouble sleeping or experiencing insomnia, you may be tempted to buy melatonin supplements as a sleep aid. Indeed there are children who do have true medical sleep disorders and taking any type of sleep medication should be discussed with their pediatrician or specialist.However, sleep should come natural for children and when it does not, it is better to discover the cause(s) of the sleep problem. Taking melatonin or any other sleep aid is just treating the symptom without finding out or dealing with what is contributing to the child's inability to fall asleep. Sometimes it can be as simple as cutting out all sodas with caffeine or removing all electronic devices from the bedroom that will help your child sleep sound. Perhaps the child is picking up on stress at home or relationship problems with parents. Discuss with your child what kinds of thoughts are keeping him or her awake at night.
|
