The sleep hormone melatonin is important for us to be able to sleep. If the body produces too little of it, it may make sense to take the hormone in addition. We’ll show you what you need to consider.
Melatonin is a hormone that is responsible for the sleep-wake cycle of living things. The Sleep hormone is produced in a part of the diencephalon from the neurotransmitter serotonin. Small amounts are also formed in the retina. The distribution is then stimulated in the dark. As a result, the melatonin level is much higher at night than during the day and we get tired. It is interesting that with age, the production of melatonin in the body decreases, as several studies show,
Effect of melatonin
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The sleep hormone melatonin works soothing and promotes sleep. So that’s it Make it easier to fall asleep and overall the Improve sleep quality, Various studies confirm this effect, for example one about chronic sleep disorders, Another study shows that melatonin is against Jet lag can help. It should also Influence on other bodily functions like kidney function or Blood pressure to have.
If you’re struggling with sleep problems, consider ours Tips for falling asleep,
Taking melatonin
Melatonin is available in tablet or capsule form and should be taken shortly before bed. If you consume it at other times, this can cause disturbances in the sleep-wake rhythm. For example, the effects of melatonin can continue until the next morning if you take it late at night.
The level of the melatonin dosage of the tablets, which can vary, is particularly relevant. Many preparations have a dose of 0.5 milligrams of melatonin, there are also tablets with a higher or lower dose, for example with two milligrams,
Side effects of melatonin
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Overall, melatonin is considered low in side effects, it is called “mild sleep aid“Viewed. However, as with most medicines, there are potential side effects. Examples are allergic reactions, or sore throat Back pain, Even nightmares, a headache and dizziness are possible.
The effects of long-term use of melatonin have not yet been sufficiently researched. Even an uncontrolled intake can have a problematic effect on the human body. So talk to your doctor about taking it.
Since melatonin is sleep-inducing, you should not drive or use machines after taking it. Note this even with low doses.
Legal position of melatonin
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In legal terms, this always arises in Germany questionwhether melatonin a Food supplements or is a medicine. However, melatonin is in Germany prescription only and only approved for the treatment of a non-other disorders sleep disorder in patients over 55 years for a short treatment period, such as the German pharmacist newspaper explained.
The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) and the Federal Institute for Consumer Health Protection and Veterinary Medicine (BgVV) clarifythat melatonin is dose-independent as a “substance with pharmacological effect“Is classified and is therefore not to be seen as a dietary supplement. In this connection, the BfArM requires approval for all melatonin preparations.
In other countries, such as the United States, melatonin is freely available. The BfArM decided in 2014that all melatonin preparations with a daily dose of between 0.5 and 5 milligrams are subject to approval as a medicinal product. The products that are available in drugstores in Germany come with a dose of up to two milligrams. However, these are currently still freely accessible.
We recommend: Alternatively, if you suffer from sleep disorders, you can lavender or valerian to grab. These natural products have a comparable effect to melatonin.
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