About Melatonin Supplements - Everything You Need to Know

Melatonin is a natural hormone that is secreted in the pineal gland. This gland plays a major role in our ability to sleep peacefully. In addition, it regulates the body’s internal clock and regulates other hormones. Melatonin levels increase significantly at bedtime and decrease in the morning when natural light is present. Oftentimes our bodily systems are disrupted, so we don’t have the correct levels of melatonin that the body needs to function at peak levels. Melatonin supplements can help.

Melatonin May Be Beneficial For

• Jet Lag
• Insomnia
• Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome
• Sleep Problems with People that Suffer from Mental Disorders, Behavioural Issues, and Developmental Problems
• Shift Work Disorder
• Strengthening the Immune System
• Decreasing Withdrawal Symptoms in People That Are Trying to Stop Smoking
• Decreasing Symptoms in the Movement Disorder Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)
• Relieving Cluster Headaches
• Decreasing Side Effects of Certain Cancer Treatments
• Increasing the Effectiveness of Cancer Medications That Are Used to Treat Tumours in the lungs, kidneys, pancreas, liver, colon, stomach, and prostate.
• Depression
• Ear Ringing
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Osteoporosis
• Epilepsy
• Numerous Other Medical Conditions

Side Effects

The side effects of melatonin usage are uncommon and minor when they are present. These side effects include the following:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Headaches

Things to Consider

Brand Names. As with any other dietary supplement, you should only use Melatonin if it is made by a brand name manufacturer. Well-known manufacturer brands include Natrol, Twinlab, Source Naturals, Country Life, Schiff, Nutricology, and Optimum Nutrition.

Dosage. Melatonin supplements can be obtained in dosages that range from 1 to 10 milligrams. A dosage of 10 milligrams is typically considered maximum strength. Anyone that is taking Melatonin for the first time should begin by taking only 1 to 3 milligrams per dose, to determine their tolerance for the supplement. Rapid release, controlled release, and fast dissolving formulations are available for purchase.

Dual Usage. Melatonin may be combined with other sleep formulas. If you have questions about the safety of using another product with Melatonin, it is best to consult your pharmacist or physician.