For those who have trouble falling or staying asleep, you may be interested in a natural remedy called melatonin. This hormone is produced by our bodies and is widely available as an over-the-counter sleep aid, but how you use it should reflect why are are taking it.
Melatonin is released in our body from a part of the brain called the pineal gland. It is referred to as a "nighttime hormone" because of its release and peak concentration corresponding to the night. It is often used to treat insomnia and circadian rhythm disorders.
Once you decide to try it, you will wonder how to take melatonin. The dose as well as the timing of its administration is key. Typically, you should take the lowest effective dose. For people who have trouble falling asleep, it should be taken 3 hours before bedtime. There may be other scenarios (such as advanced sleep phase syndrome) when you may want to take it another time.
As melatonin has a key role in the timing of our circadian rhythms, it is vital that it is taken at the appropriate time. It is also important that you have adequate light exposure as this is the primary influence on our body's biological clock.
The use of melatonin supplements is safe and if used appropriately it can effectively treat your insomnia, especially if the underlying problem relates to the circadian timing of your sleep.
Read More About Melatonin:
- How to Take Melatonin
- What Is Melatonin?
- Help for Insomniacs
- The Relationship Between Melatonin and Aging
- Fact Finder: Can Eating Foods Rich in Melatonin Cure Insomnia?
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