Understanding Melatonin Supplements
Many people whohavetrouble sleepingopt to take a melatonin supplement to help them combat insomnia. Melatonin is a natural hormone that is made in the body by the pineal gland located in the brain. It has an internal "on and off switch" that is regulated by light. The release of the hormone into the bloodstream occurs at night, and only in dark conditions. The hormone causes sleepiness by helping the body transition into sleep mode.
Once released, melatonin levels stay elevated in the body for approximately 12 hours, with peak production between 2am to 4am. When morning comes, the gland switches off and during the daytime, melatonin is barely detectable in the blood stream. Luckily, this natural sleep regulator has been found in some plants and is available as a supplement.
Melatonin dosage
推荐的剂量治疗起失眠是感情n 1 and 3 mg. Start out on the lowest dosage possible and increase as necessary. Melatonin should be taken about one hour prior to bedtime. It should not make you irritable or sleepy the following day.
Melatonin side-effects
At an ideal dosage, melatonin generally does not cause serious side effects. Most people do not report feeling irritable or sleepy the following day. However, each person is unique and some people have reported side effects such as vivid dreaming, changes in blood pressure, reduced sex drive, stomach cramps and headache.
If you experience side effects, it may mean you are taking too much of the natural sleep aid. Lower your dosage to see if the side effects go away. To date, there have not been any cases of melatonin overdoses. Melatonin is non-addicting.
What you should knowThe pineal gland only switches on when it is dark.Even if it is bedtime and you have been up all day, your body will not produce melatonin if you are in a bright environment. Dimming the lights in your environment in the hour or so leading up to bedtime helps to turn the pineal gland on.
When you take amelatonin supplement, be aware that it can reset yourbiological clock.This may be desirable if you are working a night shift and need to sleep during the day. However, melatonin should not be taken just to help you take a nap.
The amount of melatonin the body produces also lessens with age. This is why someone who has never had insomnia before may develop it as they age. Some older adults produce no melatonin at all.
Precautions
因为褪黑激素使你困了,你不应该drive or participate in activities that require you to be fully alert.
Melatonin is safe at low doses for short and long term use. However, you should advise your physician if you are going to start taking melatonin if you are on prescription medication.
Melatonin can interact with medications such as birth control pills,diabetesmedications, immuno-suppressants, and blood thinners. Pregnant and breast feeding women should not take melatonin without consulting their doctor.
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