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Mastering Melatonin: Debunking Myths for a Better Sleep

Published : Jan 07, 2022 2 mins read Updated On : Dec 07, 2023

Melatonin - Myths vs. Facts

Sleep is an essential part of everyone’s daily routine. As our life gets busier and unpredictable our sleep pattern goes for a toss. Sleep provides multiple benefits to your body. It recharges the body and prepares it for the next day. Melatonin is often called as a sleep hormone. Before we make can an opinion about melatonin, you want information that is accurate and precise that can offer health benefits to you.

How well do we know our own body and various function? Do we know all the reactions that happen in our body? Which hormones are responsible for aiding those chemical reactions? What impact does that have on your bodies? Which hormone regulates sleep cycle in your body?

What is Melatonin? What does it do? How does it work?

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland which regulates sleep patterns. Melatonin is secreted in response to darkness. So as it gets dark, levels of melatonin hormone in the body increase which triggers your body to go to sleep.

Let’s look at some of the myths regarding the Melatonin

  • Melatonin or melatonin supplements are sleeping pills.

Melatonin is a regulator of the body clock. It only regulates the sleep pattern not initiate it. Most sleeping pills are classified as psychoactive drugs. It is important to understand that melatonin can only help you to fall asleep it does not induce it. So it is safe to use a melatonin supplements.

  • Melatonin has no side effects.

Just because melatonin is available as a health supplement not as a prescription drug does not mean it has no side effects. Side effects of melatonin include drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, irritability and anxiety. Hence, it is recommended to take only 1 tab of melatonin supplement per day as overdose can lead to minor side effects.

  • Melatonin is addictive or habit -forming.

Many Studies demonstrate that melatonin supplements do not have addictive properties. Many prescription drugs that have sedatives may cause addiction.

  • Long- term use of melatonin is harmful

There are multiple studies that looked into this problem and tried to find out whether long term use of melatonin can potentially be harmful. But none of the studies found any concrete evidence of the harmful effect of melatonin. A 2018 study tracked patient’s sleep patterns for up to two years.

  • Melatonin makes the brain desensitized

Let us understand once again that melatonin is a health supplement and not a prescription drug hence the side effects of it are not common and also mild. Melatonin has a low rebound rate and no withdrawal symptoms. The study conducted to find the effect on the brain found no deviation between the test and control group.

  • Melatonin negatively impact blood pressure

Melatonin may affect the nighttime blood pressure however its effects on daytime blood pressure are minimal. Certain blood pressure pills like beta -blockers affect blood pressure

The above article tries to erase some of the myths about Melatonin and its use. It tries to differentiate melatonin as a daily health supplement from other prescription sleep medications. Please make an informed decision while choosing melatonin supplements. Fast&Up Melatonin is drug- free, safe for daily use, non-habit forming and non -GMO. Make your decision wisely. 

Melatonin Supplements


author
Soumil Vartak
Fitness and Nutrition

Soumil is a health & wellbeing enthusiast whose passion is to explore new about fitness. He enjoys writing about health, fitness, nutrition and anything related to health. His technical knowledge o... Read More

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