If you’re like me and have trouble falling asleep at night, you may have considered or have already taken melatonin supplements. As these supplements take any form from drinks to gummies, how safe are they really for our use?
Melatonin is naturally produced when we are in a dark setting. It is directly aligned with our circadian rhythm and is why we tend to sleep faster and deeper when the lights are off. As we get older our bodies produce less melatonin naturally. Melatonin supplements are mostly synthetically made according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
For short term use, meaning an occasional restless night or two, or when you’re jet lagged, it is acceptable to take melatonin to ease back into your body’s rhythm. Currently there is no definitive conclusion on how melatonin affects us in the long term, however there are potential side effects of headache, nausea, and prolonged drowsiness. However, to be completely sure you should talk with your doctor to make sure melatonin supplements won’t interfere with any other medication and make sure it’s right for you. Though melatonin supplements may aid you get some shut eye, if you face prolonged restlessness for a month and over, you may wish to consult with your doctor in case you may have insomnia.
The current research on melatonin supplements points to its effectiveness on helping you on those restless nights, and as long as you don’t use it every night, there is a little chance for any issues to come up. We at Fox Mattress are dedicated to making sure your sleep experience is the best it can be. Call us or come by our location at anytime!