Introduction
One of the most commonly used supplements for many different disorders is melatonin. This is a natural hormone that in small doses can have mellowing effects on people. Melatonin also helps with sleep, jet lag, and seasonal changes. However, recent studies have found that melatonin does not seem to be effective as a sleep aid or mood enhancer in adults under 65 years old.
How Melatonin Works?
Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps the body determine which time of day it is and what the circadian rhythm should be. When used in small doses of 1-5mg it can mimic this natural process. The hormone itself is secreted from the pineal gland in your brain and enters the bloodstream.
This mechanism works well in people under 65 years of age but in older adults there may be a problem with having enough circulating levels. As you get older melatonin production drops off so supplementing with melatonin may help with difficulty with sleeping or any other mood related symptoms.
How to Use Melatonin?
Melatonin is available as a supplement in different doses. Most people take it in the morning for sleep but this is not backed up by any solid information and may be just a cultural thing rather than having any benefit. It is recommended that you take melatonin before you go to bed and you should try to keep it out of the system during the day so it isn’t taken too often. You should be careful not to take too much if you are taking other medications because they may interact with melatonin and change its effects.
When taken correctly in small amounts, 1-5mg at bedtime (depending on dosage) melatonin can help people who have difficulty sleeping or problems with sleeping or mood swings. It isn’t a substitute for sleep therapy but it can help with insomnia and provide some relief. Some people take it to try to adjust their circadian rhythm to match their biological rhythms which has benefits of being more productive.
The doses of melatonin
Melatonin is used in very low doses. The body produces melatonin naturally and helps determine when you are sleeping and when you are awake based on light levels in the environment around you. It has been shown that it can be helpful in developing clocks for children who have trouble getting up in the morning and also for people who have trouble sleeping or getting up during their circadian rhythm.
It can also be useful if you have a job in an environment where you have no light cues, for example miners or people who work at night. It has been part of the defense department for a long time and has helped soldiers deal with jet lag and other circadian rhythm problems.
The doses of melatonin are minute. They range from 0.1 mg to 10mg per dose depending on the purpose it’s being used for. The amount required is usually very small compared to what is naturally produced in your body and there really isn’t any clear information on how much you should take. The doses should be taken in the morning and the morning only.
If you are feeling tired and want to get a good night’s sleep you should try melatonin. It works like a natural sleep aid because it mimics the body’s own natural hormone, but it is not known if it is actually effective for adults over 65. With that being said, there isn’t any clear evidence as to whether or not this has any benefits in people over 65 and some people do take this with great success as a supplement to help improve their sleep.
Melatonin side effects?
Melatonin might cause nausea or headaches if you take too much of it so be careful with dosage amounts. It can also cause morning grogginess, especially if you take it too late in the evening. It is important not to mix medications with melatonin if you are taking other drugs because this may change the effects of either drug.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding then you should consult an herbalist or physician before taking a melatonin supplement because it has not been shown to be safe in these cases. Using melatonin while bfing is dangerous to your baby as well and should be avoided. Melatonin should be stored away from heat, humidity and light to prevent degradation of the substance which may change its effectiveness and make it less potent. It should also be stored in the refrigerator to prevent it from becoming rancid and losing its effectiveness. You should also know the importance of storing a mattress.
Conclusion
Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally by the body and helps with sleep cycles and other circadian rhythm issues. It does not have any documented benefits for older adults over 65 who have difficulty sleeping or vivid dreams or problems getting up in the morning. Melatonin can be effective as a sleep aid under certain circumstances but it is not known if this has any benefits in people over 65. It is important to note that melatonin is not a substitute for medical help or therapy because it doesn’t really address the underlying issues causing sleep difficulties.