Melatonin is important for the body and health. It induces sleep and laboratory- produced melatonin is available for insomnia and jet lag. But this might have other side effects that users of these supplements should know.
Melatonin and its supplements
Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain. The pineal gland at base of brain produces this hormone and it hasa major role in the sleep-wake cycle. It controls the circadian rhythm of the body. It affects the sleep patterns and also has an action on the secretion of other hormones of the body endocrine glands.
Melatonin supplement (Source: 1 MG)Doctors prescribe this hormone for conditions such as insomnia and jet lag. In the latter condition, long distance travel causes disturbance in the sleep-wake cycle. The traveler on reaching the destination feels fatigued but does not get sleep. Hence supplements of this hormone help induce sleep in them. But this is a manufactured hormone and not a natural one.
This supplement is available in a pill form for oral swallowing with water. It also comes in a form suitable for buccal administration. One can place it at the cheek inside the mouth or sublingually under the tongue for faster absorption and better action.
Beneficial actions
The pill helps in making a person fall asleep. Hence it is of use in people who are unable to get sleep for various reasons. The time to fall asleep gets less with this pill. But one point to note is that the Food and Drug Administration of the USA does not regulate it. Hence use it only under medical supervision.
Benefits of melatonin (Source: Pinterest)2 to 3 mg of melatonin daily during long distance travel can overcome jet lag. It improves alertness and reduces day time sleepiness. Also tiredness is lessened and there is less trouble in falling off to sleep. But along with benefits there are certain sure effects that come with it.
Read more: Inadequate sleep and foods: the complex relationship explained!
Side effects of the pill
If one takes the hormone in the day, it will cause daytime sleepiness. This might affect work. It is advisable to not drive or work on a risky machinery for at least 4 to 5 hours after taking this medicine.
Some people notice gastrointestinal problems with the oral pill. These include symptoms such as nausea, abdominal cramps, abdominal pain and aches, loose motions, low appetite, and/or infrequent stools or constipation. Some develop tolerance over time. Hence in them the symptoms start with the first intake of the medicine. But they disappear after a few days and the person can continue taking the medicine with no side effects after that.
Side effects of melatonin (Source: Pinterest)Some users experience headaches and migraines in the first few days of taking the pill. These disappear over time. This commonly occurs if the pill is consumed in high doses of over 50 mg daily or the person has it in the morning hours.
Some users of the pill get extremely low blood pressure with it. It lowers the autonomic cardiovascular regulation and diminishes cerebral blood flow. This is common in hypertensives who are untreated.