Here’s 5 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Taking Melatonin Supplements & 5 Better Natural Alternatives That Will Have You Sleeping Like A Baby Tonight

Many people have trouble sleeping and turn to melatonin supplements to help them fall asleep faster and stay asleep through the night. However, there are good reasons why melatonin supplements may not be the best solution for your sleep issues.

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In this article, we’ll outline 9 reasons you should think twice before popping a melatonin pill and provide 5 healthier, more effective natural sleep aids you can try instead.

With the right lifestyle adjustments and natural remedies, you can look forward to drifting off into a deep, restful sleep and waking up refreshed and ready to take on the day – no medication required. Read on to learn why melatonin supplements aren’t all they’re cracked up to be and how making simple changes to your pre-bedtime routine can have you sleeping like a baby in no time.

What Is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone endogenously produced by the pineal gland, a small structure in the brain, that plays a critical role in regulating sleep-wake cycles and circadian rhythms. Its production is stimulated by darkness and inhibited by light exposure.

Melatonin levels begin to rise in the evening, remain elevated for most of the night, and fall in the early morning, inducing drowsiness and then wakefulness at appropriate times. This is due to melatonin’s influence on the body’s biological clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus.

Besides sleep-wake regulation, melatonin also affects other circadian rhythms like body temperature, hormone secretion, and metabolism. Melatonin production declines significantly with age, often leading to disrupted sleep patterns and other issues in older adults.

While supplements can mimic endogenous melatonin, their effects may differ between individuals due to variances in absorption and metabolism. Overall, melatonin is an important endogenous hormone that is closely tied to daily rhythms of sleep and wakefulness.

Here Are 9 Reasons To Think Twice Before Taking Melatonin Supplements:

1. Side Effects – Melatonin can cause side effects like headaches, dizziness, nausea, and daytime drowsiness. Less common side effects include vivid dreams, nightmares, mood changes like irritability or depression, stomach issues, and reduced appetite.
2. Drowsiness – Melatonin may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery for 4-5 hours after taking it due to drowsiness. This is a safety risk.
3. Drug Interactions – Melatonin can interact with medicines that slow blood clotting, control seizures, birth control, blood pressure, diabetes, immunosuppressants, and medicines broken down by the liver.
4. Lack of Regulation – Melatonin is not regulated by the FDA, so product quality, safety, and accuracy in labeling is not guaranteed. The appropriate dosage is uncertain.
5. Dependency – Relying on melatonin supplements long-term may decrease the body’s own ability to produce natural melatonin and cause dependency on the supplement.
6. Mixed Effectiveness – Studies show melatonin is most effective for jet lag and shift work. It shows mixed results in improving sleep quality and duration for other groups.
7. Interrupted Circadian Rhythms – Taking melatonin may confuse the body’s internal clock and circadian rhythms, especially if taken at the wrong time. This can exacerbate sleep issues.
8. Unknown Long-Term Effects – The long-term safety of melatonin supplements is still unknown due to lack of extensive research. Unknown effects may emerge with prolonged use.
9. Individual Differences – Melatonin’s effectiveness seems dependent on the individual. It appears to work better for some people than others.

Lifestyle Changes To Effectively Combat Insomnia

• Establish a Regular Sleep Routine – Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends, to regulate your circadian rhythm.
• Limit Screen Time Before Bed – Don’t use phones, tablets, computers, or TV right before bed, as the blue light can impair melatonin production.
• Create a Restful Environment – Keep the bedroom dark, cool, and quiet. Use blackout curtains, a fan or white noise machine, and ensure the mattress and pillows are comfortable.
• Avoid Caffeine, Alcohol, and Big Meals Before Bed – These can interfere with sleep, so avoid them within 3-4 hours of going to bed.
• Exercise During The Day – Getting regular physical activity improves sleep, just don’t exercise right before bedtime.
• Relaxation Techniques – Do relaxing stretches, take a warm bath, listen to calming music, or practice meditation and mindfulness before bed.

Making these natural changes consistently can promote better sleep without the need for melatonin supplements in many cases. Be patient as healthy sleep takes time to develop.

Ditch the Sleeping Pills, Try Nature’s Remedies!

• Drink Herbal Tea – Chamomile, Lavender and Mugwort are amazing to sip right before bedtime. These Valerian Root Capsules Are Also Great If Your Not A Fan Of Tea

• Consider a High Quality Magnesium Supplement

  – These have shown evidence in improving sleep quality.

• Use Aromatherapy – Lavender and bergamot essential oils in particular may help relaxation.

While reaching for a melatonin supplement may seem like an easy fix for sleep troubles, there are compelling reasons to avoid relying on these synthetic hormones and instead opt for natural sleep aids. Rather than risking side effects, drug interactions, and disrupted circadian rhythms from melatonin pills, make healthy sleep habits and relaxation techniques part of your nightly routine.

Establish a regular sleep schedule, limit pre-bedtime screen use, create a restful environment, avoid stimulants, and unwind with herbal teas, mindfulness exercises, and aromatherapy. Be patient with yourself as you work to improve your sleep naturally.

With commitment to these lifestyle changes and natural sleep remedies, you can look forward to drifting off into truly restorative, rejuvenating sleep night after night.
Sweet dreams!

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