1. What is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain. This hormone is created in the body and released when the sun goes down. Melatonin acts as an internal clock, signalling the body when to rest and when to rise. If the pineal gland is not functioning correctly, the body might not begin the resting process, causing a loss of sleep. Melatonin offers a natural way to support restful sleep.
2. What is Blue Light?
Blue light is a colour in the visible light spectrum that can be seen by human eyes. Blue light is of short wavelength, which means it produces higher amounts of energy. Blue light is everywhere in our world. Earlier, the sun used to be the only source of blue light. Now, we have brought blue light inside our homes via digital screens (found on TVs, Smartphones, computers, laptops, tablets and gaming systems), electronic devices, LED and fluorescent lighting.
3. How does blue light impact us?
Studies show that exposure to blue light can cause eyestrain, fatigue, headaches, and sleeplessness.
4. How much sleep is important and why?
Adults need about 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Not getting enough sleep has been linked to developing diabetes, heart disease, obesity and depression.
5. When should we take Melatonin?
1 to 2 tablets should be consumed with water before bedtime.
6. How does Melatonin work?
The human body naturally produces melatonin in response to darkness and reduces the production of melatonin in response to light. It's referred to as the "sleep hormone" because it essentially tells our body when to sleep and when to wake up. Melatonin production can be suppressed by constant exposure to light, ageing, etc., and it may mess up sleep schedules. Melatonin supplementation has been shown to aid the body's natural production of melatonin and regulate one's circadian rhythm resulting in better sleep.
7. Is Melatonin Safe?
Melatonin is generally considered safe for short-term use as it is also non-habit forming in nature.
8. Does Melatonin actually work?
Several types of research have been done, and it is observed that melatonin effectively reduces the time it takes to fall asleep in children and adolescents with insomnia. It also appears to reduce the duration it takes to fall asleep and increase total sleep time. Adults with sleep disorders can make use of melatonin to regulate their sleep-wake patterns.
9. Is melatonin addictive?
There's no evidence that melatonin as a substance is addictive. No studies have reported that melatonin can cause people to build a dependence on or tolerance of the hormone, and it isn't known to cause any withdrawal symptoms.
10. What is the best time to take Melatonin?
Studies support taking melatonin between 30 minutes and two hours before bedtime. The range exists because everyone absorbs medications at different rates and your own body's melatonin production can affect how quickly supplemental melatonin works.
11. How much melatonin should one take?
There's no exact dosage of melatonin that everyone should take, as it can vary based on factors such as gender, age, health conditions, body size and more. The health professional can suggest the exact dosage for an individual.
12. Should you take Melatonin for insomnia?
Insomnia occurs due to several conditions like no physical activity, alcohol consumption, etc. After trying lifestyle modifications, one can opt for melatonin supplementation.
13. Which conditions may interact with melatonin supplementation?
Before using melatonin supplementation, check with your doctor if you have any existing health conditions like hypertension or hypotension, diabetes, depression, any bleeding or blood clotting disorder, epilepsy or seizures, or any autoimmune condition.
14. Is it OK to take Melatonin every night?
It is safe to take melatonin supplements every night, but only for the short term. It is a non-habit forming and non-addictive supplement.
15. How long does it take for melatonin to show its effect?
Melatonin begins to affect within 30 minutes of consumption. You should start to feel peaceful & sleepy. Melatonin is a supplement that works with your natural sleep cycle.
16. What are the side effects of melatonin?
Melatonin has been used safely for up to 2 years by some people. However, it can cause some side effects including headache, a short-term feeling of depression, daytime sleepiness, dizziness, stomach cramps, and irritability.
17. Does less melatonin in the body cause weight gain?
The results of many experimental studies and clinical trials suggest that in the case of obesity, the circadian and seasonal rhythm of melatonin secretion is disturbed. Lower levels of melatonin secretion in the autumn-winter period can increase appetite and lead to weight gain.
18. Does melatonin provide calmness?
A scientific study showed that melatonin can increase the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in certain parts of the brain. Higher GABA levels can have a calming effect and reduce symptoms of anxiety.