Have you been trying to get a good night's sleep, but nothing seems to be working so far? You may have heard that melatonin is responsible for helping us sleep. Studies on sleeping disorders like insomnia have now narrowed down to treating them through melatonin supplements.
However, do melatonin and sleep really go hand-in-hand? Can you benefit from taking a melatonin supplement? Let’s find out.
Sleep insomnia is a common medical issue. Millions today suffer from this condition, but the severity differs from one person to another. 30% of adults face short periods of insomnia, while 10% have chronic insomnia that affects their ability to function during the daytime. People who have chronic insomnia face severe obstructions in their daily lives and need medical intervention and some form of insomnia treatment.
Also read: Five Common Foods that Can Help You Sleep Better
Our sleep cycle is also controlled by a hormone called melatonin. It dictates when you should fall asleep and when you wake up based on the light levels around you. It is activated during the night and lowers during the daytime.
An imbalance in melatonin levels brings several sleep-related issues and may even result in chronic insomnia. Taking melatonin supplements for sleep can help combat anything from jet lag and irregular sleeping patterns to restoring your disrupted circadian rhythm to match your lifestyle.
Melatonin and sleep are inextricably linked, and like any other hormone supplement, it must be administered under close supervision and professional care. While it is an over-the-counter drug, we recommend taking it after consulting with a specialist. Taking melatonin at the ‘wrong’ time of day can worsen your sleep disorder.
Always take the right amount of melatonin supplements at the right time. You will notice that your doctor may start you off with low doses and then advance to progressively higher doses. This helps determine the exact amount of melatonin required by your body. You'll see quick results if you follow your doctor’s instructions and take the customized melatonin doses.
Also read: Signs Of Sleep Apnea - Should I Call A Doctor?
Most of us, however, are not chronic sufferers of insomnia. So, what should you do if this is an occasional problem for you? If you face difficulty falling asleep or remaining asleep for several nights consecutively, it will hamper your daily life. In this case, the occasional intake of melatonin supplements a couple of hours before bedtime can help get your sleep cycle back on track.
However, always speak with your healthcare provider before taking melatonin for sleep issues or other supplements. You can also discuss with your healthcare provider to make changes in your diet and lifestyle to enhance the impact of melatonin and improve your sleep quality
Overall, getting a good night’s sleep goes a long way in improving our quality of life. Do you suspect that an underlying medical condition causes your lack of good quality sleep? If you seek sleep treatment customized to your medical condition, look no further. Get in touch with our medical experts at MI Express Primary Care today!
