The podcast explores the effectiveness of melatonin supplements for better sleep. It discusses the range of melatonin production in the brain and its relationship to sleep quality. The potential risks and benefits of using melatonin are discussed, including the lack of regulation in the market. It also emphasizes the role of melatonin in developing healthy sleep habits and the importance of seeking professional help if needed.
Melatonin supplements can be helpful for night owls and individuals who want to fall asleep faster, but may not be effective for those with severe chronic insomnia.
When purchasing melatonin supplements, it is important to look for products with USP or NSF seals of certification to ensure safety and accuracy, as many products are inaccurately labeled and may contain higher doses than stated.
Deep dives
Understanding Melatonin and its Role in Sleep
Melatonin is a hormone produced in the pineal gland that helps regulate sleep. Our melatonin levels increase as we approach bedtime, making us feel sleepy. It is also available as an over-the-counter dietary supplement. While the amount of melatonin produced naturally varies among individuals, research suggests that taking melatonin can be helpful in specific situations, such as for night owls who want to reset their rhythm or to fall asleep a few minutes faster. However, melatonin may not be effective in helping stay asleep for those with severe chronic insomnia.
Optimal Dosage and Safety of Melatonin
The market offers melatonin supplements in higher doses than what our bodies naturally produce. Experts suggest that a physiologically appropriate replacement dose would be around 0.3 to 0.5 milligrams, significantly lower than the doses available in most stores. Taking higher doses of melatonin than what our bodies naturally produce may impact other receptors in the brain, potentially causing grogginess the next morning. Surprisingly, many melatonin products are inaccurately labeled, sometimes containing significantly more melatonin than stated. It is recommended to look for products with USP or NSF seals of certification to ensure safety and accuracy.
The Psychological Aspect of Taking Melatonin
The act of taking melatonin can serve as a useful sleep signal, providing a psychological effect that helps remove the worry about falling asleep. This psychological association may establish a helpful sleep pattern for some individuals. It's important to note that the ultimate goal is to guide the body to effectively use its own melatonin system and rely on routines and habits to signal the brain that it is time to sleep.
In the fifth and final class of our course on how to get better sleep, we focus on melatonin. Researchers found that melatonin use in the United States more than quintupled between 1999 and 2018. You might know someone who swears by melatonin or maybe you yourself do. But does it work? What do we know about how effective melatonin supplements are, and what does it mean for helping you get better sleep? Cristina unpacks the research and helps you determine if melatonin is the right choice for your sleep needs.
Here are some organizations and labels to look for when purchasing melatonin supplements: