What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced in the brain by the pineal gland. It helps control your sleep and wake cycles, which are also known as circadian rhythms. This hormone’s production increases in the evening, making you feel sleepy, and it decreases in the morning, keeping you from feeling drowsy.

Melatonin is also found in other parts of the body, such as the eyes and in some foods, although the amounts present are much lower than in the brain. Melatonin levels naturally decrease with age, which can lead to more difficulty sleeping as you get older.

What Is Melatonin Used For?

Melatonin has several uses. It is primarily used as a sleep aid and to treat sleep disorders, such as insomnia and jet lag. It may also be used to help reduce symptoms of certain disorders, such as delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and certain circulatory disorders.

Melatonin has also been used to help alleviate anxiety, depression, and pain. Additionally, some research suggests that melatonin may help improve cognitive performance, reduce the risk of cancer, and improve fertility.

Safety and Side Effects

For most people, taking melatonin is safe in doses up to 10 mg per day for short-term use, according to the National Institutes of Health. It has not been studied for long-term use for more than three months, so it’s not recommended for extended periods of time.

Melatonin supplements may cause mild side effects in some people, such as headaches, nausea, and grogginess. Additionally, it can interact with certain medications, including anticoagulants, cholesterol medications, diabetes medications, and blood pressure medications. It should also not be used with alcohol or other sedatives.

It’s important to talk to your doctor before taking melatonin. They can help you figure out the right dosage and any potential interactions.

Conclusion

Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced in the brain and is responsible for regulating your sleep-wake cycle. It is often used as a sleep aid and to treat sleep disorders, such as insomnia and jet lag. It may also be used to help relieve certain psychological disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and pain.

It’s important to talk to your doctor before taking melatonin to figure out the right dose and to make sure it’s safe for you to take in light of any other medications or conditions you may have. Generally, it’s safe in doses up to 10 mg per day for short-term use.