will taking melatonin pills to help me fall asleep decrease the quality of my sleep? i am wondering if it is bad in any way to take melatonin to help me fall asleep.
2006-12-27 16:30:37 · 8 answers · asked by Kevin 2 in Health ➔ Other - Health
No melatonin is a natural substance so it will just help you fall asleep easier. I have a friend who uses it nightly.
2006-12-27 16:35:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
Melatonin is a naturaly occuring substance in the body. It is safe. Anything that you take to help you sleep may decrease the quality. I think that melatonin and/or a good lavender tea work the best and have the least effect on the quality of sleep.
2006-12-28 00:35:56 · answer #2 · answered by tera_duke 4 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Melatonin is a natural sleep aid. 10% of users say the drug did nothing for them while the other 10% complained of side effects such as nightmares, headaches, morning groginess, mild depression, and low sex drive.
It's for people with mild sleep disorders and jet lags. The only way to know whether this drug is useful for you is to try it out.
I looked at the website and it said that there shouldn't be any hangover effect like with regular sedatives; however, if you feel any at all, reduce your dosage.
Read the link. I didn't know that melatonin may extend your lifespan by 20%.
2006-12-28 00:37:27 · answer #3 · answered by Ana 4 · 12⤊ 1⤋
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone secreted naturally by the pineal gland. Melatonin is the sleep hormone. It is said to induce sleep without any negative side effects. Melatonin is secreted mainly at night. Melatonin is found naturally in plants and in algae.
In several studies, supplementation with melatonin has been found helpful in inducing and maintaining sleep in both children and adults, for both people with normal sleep patterns and those suffering from insomnia. It is also useful in banishing jet lag.
However, it appears that the sleep- promoting effects of melatonin are most apparent only if a person's melatonin levels are low. In other words, taking melatonin is not like taking a sleeping pill or even 5-HTP. It will only produce a sedative effect when melatonin levels are low. Melatonin appears to be most effective in treating insomnia in the elderly, as low melatonin levels are common in this age group.
Safety: Studies of melatonin's safety are limited, with isolated reports of exacerbation of depression, fatigue and restriction of coronary arteries.
Do not take melatonin supplement if:
You are pregnant or breast-feeding.
You are under the age of 35.
You are suffering from cancer of the blood or immune system.
You have kidney disease.
Melatonin supplementation can disrupt the normal circadian rhythm. In one study, a daily dosage of 8 mg a day for only four days resulted in significant alterations in hormone secretions.
Synthetic melatonin may be safer than melatonin from animal sources.
Dosage: Start with 1.5 mg daily, taken 2 hours or less before bedtime. If this is not effective, gradually increase the dosage until an effective level is reached (up to 5 mg daily).
2006-12-28 00:38:40 · answer #4 · answered by coolgirl 1 · 12⤊ 3⤋
I have taken melatonin for almost three years now. It is not habit forming. It is not bad for you. It simply releases melatonin(what your brain releases anyway for sleep). It should help your quality of sleep. Be mindful of the amount you take. The maximum reccomended dose is 3mg per 24 hours. When you are purchasing make sure you are buying mg and not micrograms. Some will say 300 micrograms. This is not very much at all. Happy dreams my friend.
2006-12-28 00:35:02 · answer #5 · answered by Rick R 4 · 26⤊ 0⤋
melatonin is ok
2006-12-28 07:11:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 5⤋
i have taken them and does does help you fall asleep and sleep a bit better.. i think they r safe and don t have any bad side effects.. its a natural chemical your body produces not a drug or herb or anything like that...
2006-12-28 00:37:43 · answer #7 · answered by darryl l 5 · 7⤊ 1⤋
I am 100% all for natural/alternative medicine. I tried this supplement and it did not work. The quality of sleep was terrible.
2006-12-28 00:41:39 · answer #8 · answered by Sweetgirl 3 · 2⤊ 7⤋
it is classified as a supplument and is not apporved by the fda so there is no hard proof. my dad took it and said it worked
2006-12-28 00:33:04 · answer #9 · answered by evilive 4 · 3⤊ 5⤋