How Do Melatonin Supplements Work
Basically, melatonin supplements add more melatonin to the mix. Our bodies produce melatonin naturally to help us start to fall asleep, says Dr. Nicole Avena, Ph.D., assistant professor of neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Taking the supplement can be helpful for people who have trouble settling down naturally to sleep. By increasing the amount of melatonin, you give your body even more signals to go to bed, which may help you fall asleep faster and get higher quality sleep through the night.
Melatonin regulates the natural sleep-wake cycle, adds Dr. Cinthya Pena Orbeaof Cleveland Clinics Sleep Disorders Center. Levels start to increase in the evening by reaching the highest levels before bedtime.
People who work night shifts, have jet lag, or experience delayed sleep phase disorder also turn to melatonin for help. Since the hormone helps regulate the circadian rhythm, melatonin may help in reestablishing the regular day/night sleep schedule.
Melatonin dosage can vary, as every person reacts differently to the hormone. Since some people are more sensitive than others to the effects of melatonin, it is best to start off low and increase your dose as needed, Dr. Avena says. Doses of 0.2-5 mg are considered safe.
Try A Breathing Exercise
Are worries and concerns about the future keeping you up at night? Breathing exercises are a great way to invoke your bodys relaxation response so you can stop ruminating on your anxious thoughts and get to sleep faster.
One popular breathing exercise is the 4-7-8 technique. First developed by Dr. Andrew Weil, this technique has been shown to be beneficial for stress reduction and relaxation before bed.
Heres how to do it:
- Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whooshing sound throughout.
- Inhale silently through your nose for four seconds.
- Hold your breath for a full seven seconds and breathe out for eight seconds.
- Repeat this technique four times.
How Can I Naturally Create More Melatonin
If youre worried about taking melatonin or cant because of other factors like lifestyle or medications, there are still easy steps you can try to naturally increase its production. These include turning off your phone, computer, and TV at least 30 minutes to an hour before bed to reduce the amount of artificial light youre exposed to and wearing a sleep mask at night if you need to. You can also get plenty of natural sunlight during the day to strengthen your internal day-to-night cycle response.
Melatonin is a great temporary sleep aid to many people just make sure you dont overdo it!
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Next Steps If Youre Not Getting Relief
Taking melatonin supplements alone to treat insomnia wont be as effective as taking melatonin and also working on improving your sleep hygiene, Dr. Avidan said. Sleep hygiene refers to creating an ideal environment that promotes conditions good for sleep.
These include:
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Powering down electronics and avoiding the news two hours before bedtime.
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Maintaining a regular sleep schedule.
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Eschewing alcohol and caffeine at night.
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Trying to get as much natural sunlight during the day as possible to orient your internal clock.
Dr. Avidan suggests that people both try these habits and take melatonin for two to three weeks to see if it helps.
While melatonin can help with the promotion of sleep, for many it does not, Dr. Salas said.
If you are stumped as to why melatonin isnt working for you, Dr. Salas recommends talking to your physician. She says it may also be time to contact a sleep specialist, as there could be other, more serious sleep issues. Dr. Avidan says he and his colleagues are currently taking virtual appointments for anyone living in the United States, so its worth inquiring whether a sleep specialist can see you remotely.
Is Melatonin Safe For Kids
Adults arent the only ones who have trouble sleeping. One study found melatonin to be very effective in helping children get to sleep easier and stay asleep through the night. Now, this is only one study with a small sample size, so definitely see a pediatrician before starting your child on the supplement. But, if a child has extreme trouble sleeping, melatonin may be a helpful tool in getting some rest.
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What Is The Right Dosage Of Melatonin: How Much Is Too Much
Knowing how much melatonin to take is tricky, especially since some brands may recommend a dosage thats more than your body actually needs.
As you shop around, youll find that some melatonin supplements contain as much as 5 to 10 milligrams per serving.
Generally speaking, most people produce enough melatonin to sleep well. If you need a little extra to reset your sleep cycle, you probably dont need more than 3 mg. Some people sleep better with as little as 0.3 to 0.5 mg.
Melatonin needs vary from person to person. Since melatonin can have many effects on the body, like all drugs, it should be taken at the lowest dose possible, warns Dr. Jacobowitz.
With that being said, start with a low amount. If you still have problems sleeping, gradually step up your dose until you find an amount that improves sleep without causing side effects.
Less is more with melatonin to avoid sleep inertia. This is a common problem with some sleeping pills. Some people complain of a hungover or groggy feeling in the mornings due to remnants of the sleep aid remaining in their bloodstream.
This effect doesnt typically occur with melatonin, but it can happen if you take too much the night before.
Melatonin is also safe for children. And like adults, some children dont need a lot of the supplement to sleep better.
Again, start your child at a lower dose, and then gradually increase the amount of melatonin as needed. Talk to your doctor for advice on appropriate dosages.
What Happens If I Take Melatonin With Another Medication
According to the Mayo Clinic, taking melatonin should be safe for most people, though in some circumstances it can interact with other medications such as blood thinners, blood pressure medications, anticonvulsants, oral contraceptives and others. However, this doesnt mean the interaction will be dangerous, in some cases it may just inhibit melatonins ability to simulate drowsiness.
Before taking melatonin, be sure to discuss your current medications with your doctor to be sure its the right choice for you.
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How Much Melatonin Is Too Much Is Melatonin Safe Are There Melatonin Risks
In general, it is typically best to take the lowest effective melatonin dosage. In rare cases you may experience uncomfortable and unwanted side effects with melatonin supplementation. If youâre thinking of adding melatonin to your nighttime routine, hereâs what you should know before you begin:
What Do I Do If Im Experiencing Symptoms Of A Melatonin Overdose
Compared with most other sleep aids, melatonin clears the body quickly, and its effects are short-lasting. If you are experiencing unwanted symptoms after taking melatonin, you can most likely just wait it out as your body processes the drug. However, when in doubt, its always a good idea to seek professional advice. Dont hesitate to contact your doctor or local poison control for guidance on managing worrisome symptoms or determining whether you need medical care.
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What Is The Best Melatonin Dosage
Studies suggest that 1-2 milligrams 30 minutes before bedtime is an optimal dosage of melatonin to help you fall asleep naturally for no next day grogginess*. Marketed sleep aid products may include melatonin levels as high as 10 mg, however, most healthy adults and kids who occasionally have trouble falling asleep benefit from a low dose of melatonin. ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs melatonin gummies are formulated to deliver a melatonin dosage of 1-2 mg, and manufactured under strict supervision. They are regulated under the Federal Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. .
Make Sure You Are Getting What The Label Says
Before you buy melatonin, its important to make sure you are getting it from a reputable place. The F.D.A. does not regulate supplements, Dr. Kolla said. So youre trusting the manufacturer in terms of the dosing.
A 2017 study in the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that the melatonin content of dietary supplements often varies widely from what is listed on the label. The study found that even within the same batch of product, variability of the melatonin varied by as much as 465 percent.
Without governmental oversight, there really isnt a way to ensure the levels of melatonin advertised on the package are accurate. Therefore, Dr. Kolla recommends looking for a GLP or GMP label on the product. Both labels refer to federal regulations designed to affirm a product has the quality and purity that appear on its label. He says this provides some assurance that you are getting close to what the label says youre getting.
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What To Do When You Cant Sleep
Cant sleep? Youre in good company. According to a survey from the American Sleep Apnea Association, 70 percent of U.S. adults struggle with sleep at least one night a month, and 11 percent struggle with sleep every night.
When we cant fall asleep, we tend to stare at our alarm clocks for hours on end and hope for sleep to come faster. But as it turns out, there are better ways to coax our minds and bodies back into the Land of Nod. The best part? It could be as simple as sleeping with a weighted blanket or doing some light stretches before bed.
Here, we take a deep dive into the common culprits of poor sleep, what to do when you cant sleep and how to set yourself up for a better nights snooze.
What Happens If I Miss A Dose
If you miss taking a dose there is no cause for concern, but melatonin may impair your thinking and reaction time. If you will be driving or doing any hazardous activity, skip your dose as melatonin can cause drowsiness.
Otherwise, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine or double your dose to make up the missed medication.
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What Are The Symptoms Of A Melatonin Overdose
It is important to note that just because a supplement is unlikely to be lethal, that does not mean that unwanted or troubling side effects cannot occur. Concerning symptoms have been reported with higher doses of melatonin.
Possible symptoms of too much melatonin include:
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Because melatonin can affect the cardiovascular, dermatologic, and central nervous systems, those with other conditions may be vulnerable to additional risks. Evidence suggests that melatonin supplementation may induce depression, particularly in people predisposed to or currently experiencing this malady. Research on this topic, however, is conflicting, since some studies have demonstrated the potential for melatonin to treat depression.
People taking blood thinners, like warfarin, and benzodiazepines should be careful, as there is a possibility for interaction. Those with epilepsy should also exercise caution, as melatonin has been associated with increased seizures.
Research suggests that elderly people, who have lower natural levels of melatonin, may be more sensitive to the effects of melatonin supplements. Therefore, older people are encouraged to check with their doctor before taking melatonin and start with the lowest possible dose.
Factors Affecting How Long Melatonin Lasts
But how long does melatonin last in your system? Melatonin typically stays in your system for around four to eight hours, but this range largely depends on external factors, including:
- Age: Your metabolism slows as you age, meaning the rate at which your body can metabolize the melatonin also slows. The older you are, the longer it may take for melatonin to wear off.
- Caffeine: Research has shown that caffeine can modify melatonin production to counteract the effectiveness of the supplement.
- Light exposure: Exposure to bright light, especially the blue light emitted from technology, can send signals to your brain that its daytime, making it harder for the melatonin to take effect.
- Body size: Factors like your height and weight impact how you absorb melatonin and how it affects you.
- Tobacco use: In animal studies, nicotine has been shown to inhibit melatonins effectiveness in the body.
- Other medications: Additional medications like blood thinners, immunosuppressants, and stimulants may counteract the effectiveness of melatonin.
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How Effective Is Melatonin For Sleep Problems In Children
The overall effects of melatonin for children include falling asleep more quickly and an increase in sleep time. Like all medicines used to help children fall asleep, there is fairly limited information available. This means that most studies have small groups followed for short periods of time. Furthermore, melatonin not regulated as a pharmaceutical in the U.S. Thus, there is no large pharmaceutical company bankrolling larger and long-term studies . Rather it is regulated as a food supplement by the FDA. For a terrific review, including dosing recommendations, I highly recommend this article by Bruni et al.
What The Experts Do
Lower the Light to Prep for Sleep
Johns Hopkins sleep expert Luis F. Buenaver, Ph.D., C.B.S.M., keeps the lights low in the evening to help his mind and body prepare forsleep. But if he has to work in the evening or answer emails, he usesfilters to screen out the blue and green wavelengths of light emitted byhis smartphone and computer. Your brain associates this light withdaytime, and it can interfere with melatonins sleep-promoting effects. Afilter can help. Many types of blue-light filters are available online andin stores.
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Melatonin Dosage For Older Adults
Our melatonin levels naturally , disrupting the sleep-wake cycles for many older adults. As a result, older adults may have an increased sensitivity to melatonin. In a meta-analysis of 16 studies, melatonin dosages between 0.1 milligram and 50 milligrams per kilogram were administered to older adults aged 55 to 77 years old. In all of the studies, the melatonin levels remained higher among the older adults when compared to younger adults and stayed higher for a longer period of time leading to increased daytime drowsiness. The more melatonin the person took, the more pronounced these effects.
As a result, researchers recommend older adults start with the lowest dose of melatonin possible. Lower doses may help older adults sleep better without disrupting their circadian rhythms and causing prolonged drowsiness.
Older adults with dementia should avoid melatonin, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
What Is Jet Lag
Jet lag arises from a mismatch between your internal body clock’s schedule and the local time zone. Your internal clock regulates your circadian rhythms, which are natural physical fluctuations that occur over each 24-hour day. The sleep-wake cycle is one circadian rhythm. When you enter a new time zone quickly, but your body is still accustomed to waking up and falling asleep according to the schedule of another time zone, you might experience jet lag.
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Why People Take Artificial Melatonin
Since melatonin regulates the sleep cycle, individuals who suffer from sleep-related issues, like insomnia, may take artificial melatonin as a supplement. Similarly, travelers may use melatonin to reduce jet lag and adjust to a different time zone. Night shift workers may also take the supplement to make falling asleep during the day or at odd times easier.
When taken before bed, supplements increase the amount of melatonin in the body. This could make falling asleep or staying asleep easier. However, there is limited scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of melatonin supplements, so it isnt clear whether people experience the purported benefits or simply a placebo effect.
As shown above, outside factors like sunlight can hinder your bodys production of melatonin. Supplements can bypass those factors and help you feel more ready to sleep, even if your environment is less than ideal.
Skip Melatonin For Sleep If
Do not use melatonin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have an autoimmune disorder, a seizure disorder or depression. Talk to your health care provider if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. Melatonin supplements may also raise blood-sugar levels and increase blood pressure levels in people taking some hypertension medications.
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How Long Does Jet Lag Last
Jet lag symptoms begin within the first two days after traveling and last anywhere from a couple of days to several weeks in extreme cases. Jet lag symptoms tend to be more severe and long-lasting after longer travel. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine estimates that a person’s circadian rhythm requires roughly one day of adjustment for each time zone they cross while traveling. So, if you travel across three time zones, you might expect three days of jet lag symptoms as you adjust.
People who travel from west to east tend to experience more severe jet lag than those traveling from east to west. People traveling eastward must adjust to earlier bedtimes, and for many, falling asleep earlier than normal is more difficult than staying up later. Traveling across six or more time zones shifts the circadian rhythm the other way and may give rise to extended jet lag symptoms, which could last weeks.
Different people experience jet lag to different degrees due to multiple factors. For example, some people have circadian rhythms that are slightly shorter or longer than 24 hours, which could affect how quickly they adjust to a new time zone depending on the direction they are traveling. Also, whether or not you are able to sleep while traveling could affect your later symptoms.