There’s nothing worse than not sleeping well at night. To avoid this problem, many people – 3 million Americans, actually – take Melatonin. But, does it really work? And if so, how much should a person take each night and when?
Here’s what you should know:
Melatonin is produced naturally in your body
Melatonin that’s produced in your body doesn’t necessarily make you sleepy, but it does encourage your body to slow down so it can sleep. Most people make enough Melatonin to maintain a normal sleep rhythm, but some people don’t.
Should you try Melatonin?
If you’re having trouble sleeping for more than a few days in a row, give Melatonin a try. It’s especially helpful for people who fall asleep later and have trouble waking up the next day.
How much should you take?
Melatonin comes in different quantities, so how much should you take? To start, experts suggest taking 1 to 3 milligrams.
When should you take it?
Take Melatonin about two hours before you go to bed.
When should you stop taking it?
If you’ve taken Melatonin for a week or so and it’s not working, stop taking it. If it is working, experts say it’s okay to take it for one to two months. After that, take a break from it and see if your normal sleep patterns have returned.
Who shouldn’t take Melatonin?
Anyone who is breastfeeding or pregnant shouldn’t take this supplement. Also, people with an autoimmune disorder, a seizer disorder, diabetes, or high blood pressure should refrain from taking it.
Additional sleep aids
Besides taking Melatonin, make changes to your bedtime routine to improve your sleep. Don’t use your smartphone two hours before bed, dim the lights, do calm activities at night, and expose yourself to sunlight in the morning hours to help your internal clock recognize day and night.
