Study up on the major pros and cons of popping this supplement in an attempt to sleep more soundly.
When was the last time you woke up feeling chipper, well-rested and ready to take on the day?
If you’re like the average American, that certainly wasn’t this morning.
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“And in the past several decades, more and more people are turning tomelatoninto help.
However, that can lead to some effects on the body that might surprise you.
“Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally released by the body.
But when you’re exposed to less-than-normal daytime light, your natural melatonin production may be thrown off track.
To counteract this, supplement companies have created pill and liquid forms of melatonin.
Ahead, the various ways taking melatonin daily can impact your body, your brain and your bedtime.
That said, the correct dose of melatonin supplements depends on your age, sex and health status.
Thus, by taking melatonin, our brain gets into ‘sleep time mode,'” says Dr. Weiss.
Melatonin also influences dopamine production in the brain.
“Dopamine is a neurotransmitter and hormone involved in feelings of pleasure and motivation.
Thus, melatonin might reduce feelings of anxiety and depression,” says Dr. Weiss.
And for all populations, it shouldn’t be thought of as a magic pill.
Melatonin is not the primary recommendation to treat insomnia.
Anyone struggling to sleep should seek assistance from a sleep specialist,” Dr. Weiss says.
The current clinical consensus is that daily melatonin consumption is considered safe.
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