Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the body's night and day cycles, or sleep-wake cycles. The pineal gland in the brain secretes this hormone naturally in reaction to darkness. It is essential for regulating the sleep-wake cycle by signaling to the body when it is time to sleep and when it is time to wake up.
Melatonin helps regulate the body's internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm, which controls the time of sleep and awake. Melatonin levels usually increase when it gets dark, promoting sleep, and decrease as day dawns, indicating awake.
Many people lack this melatonin hormone which causes sleep disorders and for that, Melatonin supplements are available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, liquid drops, and sublingual tablets. These supplements are commonly used to treat sleep disorders such as jet lag, shift work sleep disorder, and insomnia.
- Jet Lag: Melatonin tablets are frequently used to treat the symptoms of jet lag, a brief sleep problem that arises while traveling across time zones. Resetting the body's internal clock and easing the transition to a new time zone can be achieved by taking melatonin at the right moment.
- Shift Work Sleep Disorder: People who work irregular or night shifts might experience that their sleep-wake cycle is disrupted, which makes it difficult for them to fall asleep during the day. Melatonin supplements can boost tiredness and improve sleep quality in shift workers.
- Insomnia: Sometimes, people with insomnia—a disorder marked by trouble falling asleep, remaining asleep, or waking up too early—can benefit from taking melatonin pills. For some people, melatonin's ability to treat insomnia can be advantageous.
The recommended dosage varies according to age, health, and the purpose of supplementation. It's important to pay attention to the product's instructions or get assistance with dose and timing from a medical professional.
Melatonin supplements tend to be considered safe for short-term usage when used at appropriate doses. However, some people may develop adverse effects such as sleepiness, headache, dizziness, or nausea.
Overall, melatonin supplements can be a successful remedy for controlling sleep disorders, especially when taken correctly and as part of a comprehensive course of treatment.