top of page
Writer's pictureJoe Rawlins

Melatonin Minefield; On the Safety and Efficacy of Natural Sleep Supplements

"I'm trying to quit melatonin."


I hear it all the time and I get it. The elephant in the bedroom is that groggy hangover that comes after a full night's sleep on melatonin. Sometimes, you can take melatonin at 10 pm and find yourself awake at midnight with that same sleep anxiety that was supposed to be cured by it. And always there is that lingering doubt: is it possible to sleep 8 hours but not rest for a minute of it? If melatonin is Mother Nature's cure for insomnia, why the mindmuck?


In this blog post, we'll explore the efficacy and safety of melatonin and other popular natural sleep aids for adults.


Melatonin: The Sleep Hormone

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland in the brain. Its primary function is to regulate the body's sleep-wake cycle, signaling the body when it's time to sleep. Melatonin supplements have become a popular over-the-counter sleep aid, especially for people who have difficulty falling asleep or adjusting to a new time zone.


Efficacy of Melatonin

Research suggests that melatonin can be effective in helping people fall asleep faster, particularly those who have difficulty falling asleep. A meta-analysis by Ferracioli-Oda et al. (2013) found that melatonin supplementation reduced the time it took to fall asleep by an average of 7 minutes (source: Ferracioli-Oda et al., 2013). Although this may not seem like a significant difference, it can make a noticeable impact for those who struggle with sleep onset.


Safety of Melatonin

Melatonin is generally considered safe for short-term use, with few reported side effects. However, long-term safety has not been well-studied, and some potential side effects, such as morning grogginess or vivid dreams, may occur (source: Mayo Clinic). It's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using melatonin, especially for those who are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.


Other Natural Sleep Supplements

In addition to melatonin, there are other natural sleep aids that people turn to for better sleep:

  1. Valerian root: This herb is believed to have a sedative effect on the brain and nervous system, promoting relaxation and sleep. Some studies have found it to be effective in improving sleep quality, but more research is needed to confirm these findings (source: Bent et al., 2006).

  2. Magnesium: This essential mineral plays a crucial role in regulating the body's sleep-wake cycle. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to poor sleep quality, and supplementation may improve sleep in some individuals (source: Abbasi et al., 2012).

  3. Chamomile: Often consumed as a tea, chamomile has been used for centuries for its calming and sleep-promoting effects. Although research on chamomile's efficacy as a sleep aid is limited, it is generally considered safe and may provide mild sleep benefits for some individuals.

CBD, a popular remedy for sleeplessness, is another natural option that has been gaining attention for its potential to improve sleep quality (source: Shannon et al., 2019).


In conclusion, melatonin and other natural sleep supplements can be effective and relatively safe options for adults looking to improve their sleep quality. As with any supplement, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting a new regimen and to use these products as part of a comprehensive sleep hygiene routine, which may also include neck support, guided meditation, and allergen reduction.

5 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page