Are Melatonin Supplements The Answer To Better Sleep?

Embarrassing moments from 10 years ago keeping you up at night? Desperate to get a few hours of beauty sleep? We’ve all been there! Given our fast-paced lifestyle, poor diet choices, and lack of exercise, it’s no surprise that cases of insomnia are increasing across the globe. But just cause this issue is common doesn’t mean you should ignore it. The average adult needs at least 8 hours of sleep every night. Like food and water, your body also needs an adequate amount of sleep to function at its full capacity. Not getting the required amount can lead to a variety of problems like lack of concentration, memory issues, and mood changes. Lack of sleep, in the long run, can also result in chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. So what’s the solution to this sleepless problem? While lifestyle changes are necessary, you can also take the extra step and invest in sleep supplements — melatonin supplements to be exact! This natural sleep remedy is taking the world by storm and for good reason. But while melatonin supplements for sleep has gained popularity, many are still hesitant to consume it, mainly due to a fear that it would turn into a habit.

Keep on reading to find out about melatonin, melatonin benefits and why melatonin supplements are the answer to getting your good night’s rest and how they significantly differ from regular sleeping pills. 

What Is Melatonin? 

Melatonin is a hormone that’s naturally produced mainly by the pineal gland in your brain. It is also found in other parts of the body like the eyes, bone marrow, and gut. This hormone is vital as it helps time our internal clock, also known as circadian rhythms. But that’s not all it does! Melatonin benefits are aplenty. It also plays a role in regulating body temperature, blood pressure, blood glucose, and even body weight. It even reduces dopamine levels (a hormone that helps you stay awake).

As we age, it’s normal for certain hormonal production to decrease. This along with our lifestyle habits could affect melatonin production in the body. In such cases, melatonin supplements help. 

Darkness alerts the body to produce more melatonin, so the light emitted from a phone or laptop can confuse the body. It signals the body to be awake and even blocks melatonin production. Aside from blue light, alcohol, caffeine, work hours, and medications can all affect your melatonin production in the body. 

While there are foods that help boost melatonin production in the body, the best way to ensure you get the required amount of shut-eye is with melatonin supplements. 

How Does Melatonin Act Like A Natural Sleep Aid?

Age and other lifestyle factors can decrease melatonin production in the body. Here’s where supplements come to the rescue. Unlike sleeping pills, most melatonin supplements are made from natural ingredients that not only boost melatonin production but also help calm your mind and put you in a state of rest. There are also GABA supplements that are used to promote sleep. This ingredient is a naturally produced amino acid that helps block certain activities in the brain, creating an overall calming effect.

Some Melatonin Supplement Benefits Include:

  1. Supports Better Sleep

Melatonin supplements are one of the most popular sleeping aids as it acts as a natural remedy to help you sleep better. Adding melatonin supplements to your daily routine ensures you get the much-needed hours of rest required to help your body function at its full capacity. 

  1. Regulates Sleep Cycle

Sleep supplements not only improve the quality of sleep but also regulate your daily sleep cycle. This means that if you stick to a specific sleep-wake time, it will regulate your circadian rhythm accordingly. 

  1. Jet Lag

If you’re constantly travelling, the change in time zones can ruin your circadian rhythm, resulting in daytime fatigue. Investing in melatonin supplements will help you get the full 8 hours of deep sleep you need. These natural sleeping aids may help reduce jet lag by syncing your internal clock with the time change.

How Much Is Too Much? 

Just like any other supplement, it is best to consume it in moderation. The ideal dosage will vary from person to person, depending on the person’s age, body weight, and overall health. All these need to be taken into consideration as it influences the body’s response to melatonin. The ideal dosage is typically 1mg or 5mg. While it may be tempting to consume more, too many melatonin supplements can also have a negative effect and even disrupt your sleep cycle. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an autoimmune disorder, it is best to consult your doctor before consuming them.

Wrapping Up

Keep in mind that melatonin supplements are not similar to sleeping pills. They won’t make you drowsy. Instead, they will naturally lull you to sleep and leave you feeling refreshed the next morning. But to achieve that beauty sleep, you also need to do your part in order for the melatonin supplements to work their magic. Keep your electronics away an hour before going to sleep. Bluelight can still confuse your internal clock even after taking the supplements. Be consistent with your sleep schedule, and limit alcohol consumption and smoking before bed. Adding these lifestyle changes to your daily routine can help you get the sleep you desire.