Does Melatonin Work For Insomnia?
24 Jul 2011
Melatonin is generated by the body and it is believed to assist the body know when it is time for you to sleep and when it’s time to rise. Our bodies produces the greatest quantities of melatonin in kids. Once puberty hits, the amount that the body produces start to decrease.
Melatonin is generated by the body and it is believed to assist the body know when it is time for you to sleep and when it’s time to rise. Our bodies produces the greatest quantities of melatonin in kids. Once puberty hits, the amount that the body produces start to decrease.
The thinking is that by using a supplement with melatonin for insomnia the melatonin will assist to regulate our bodies and assist the body start to power down when it is time to go to bed.
There were several studies backing up this claim, therefore melatonin has a reputation of being a sleep aid. Remember that the studies do not show melatonin to be an effective treatment for jet lag.
It is important to note the difference between melatonin and sleeping pills. Melatonin will NOT induce sleep. It will, according to some studies, regulate the body’s clock potentially helping users sleep better.
Still, even with some successful studies, not all experts are willing to endorse melatonin as sleep aid. Some say that using melatonin correctly for this purpose is a delicate balance. If you take the supplements in the wrong amounts or at the wrong time, you could do more harm than good when it comes to treating your insomnia.
The experts that do not think melatonin for insomnia is the best idea suggest other methods to regulate your body’s clock and help to get your sleep schedule back on track. These ideas include losing weight, changing your diet or making other lifestyle changes.
Should you choose to take melatonin for insomnia, it is a wise decision to consult with your doctor first. At the very least, get some advice regarding how much you should take as well as the best time to take it. As with any kind of medication or supplement, there is always the chance that the user will experience negative effects. The possible side effects of taking a supplement with melatonin include drowsiness, headache, cramps and dizziness. If you experience any of these side effects, you should quit taking the melatonin immediately.
While many yearn for an easy cure, like melatonin for insomnia, unfortunately, not all of the studies at this point do not back up the claims. Still, seeing as there are some studies that appear to be promising, many find it to be worth a shot.
Just be sure to be careful about timing and dosage and report any negative effects to your doctor immediately.
Make sure and check out my lens on Insomnia Tips For Treating Insomniaand my article on Facts About Insomnia.