When you are not able to sleep, it can be one of the worse feelings out there and incredibly frustrating. If you don’t sleep, you wake up groggy, and can’t focus on what the day is going to bring. Worse, if you need to be on top of your game, all the coffee in the world isn't going to help.
What Can You Take to Help You Sleep?
Melatonin can be an incredibly helpful aid in getting a good night’s sleep. But what are the side effects of melatonin? How does melatonin work? Are the side effects of melatonin harmful? Is there an alternative to melatonin that will help get a good night’s sleep?
Melatonin is a natural hormone that your body produces and helps regulate your natural sleep-wake cycle. The level of melatonin in your blood reaches its highest point at night. It’s been suggested by research that a melatonin supplement could be used to help treat people who have difficult falling and staying asleep. Almost everyone has periods during which they struggle to fall and stay asleep.
Usually, melatonin is safe for short-term use because it is not known to be addictive and therefor you are unlikely to become dependent on it. Most people do not experience a diminished response after repeated use, and it doesn’t give you a hangover.
Side Effects of Melatonin
If melatonin is taken at other times of the day besides the evening, it can cause sleepiness. Sleepiness is a side effect of melatonin without a doubt, but it’s not what melatonin is used for. But sometimes, sleepiness can be an issue for people who have reduced melatonin clearance rates.
This means some people have a slower rate of how melatonin is removed from their body. If you have an impaired clearance rate, it extends how long the melatonin is at a high rate in your body. This can be a problem in infants and older adults.
Other concerns have been how melatonin interacts with sleeping pills. So, depending on what sleeping medication you take, it can have adverse effects on muscle performance and memory when mixed with melatonin.
In addition, melatonin can cause a slight drop in your body’s temperature. It usually isn’t a problem for most people. But if you have trouble staying warm, it could affect you. Separately, if you are taking blood thinners, melatonin may reduce blood coagulation.
Over-the-counter brands of melatonin aren't regulated by medical authorities. Try to stay with a reputable and certified brand that you trust and can verify the ingredients in the capsules you are taking.
Can You Overdose on Melatonin?
You can overdose on melatonin if you take too much. The symptoms of melatonin overdose can vary from person to person. If you ingest too much, the number one symptom is excessive drowsiness. However, in some instances the opposite may happen and some people find themselves in a state of enhanced alertness.
The signs of an overdose of melatonin are:
If you develop a headache
If you develop an upset stomach
If you develop diarrhea
If you develop sudden anxiety
If you become irritable
Plus, melatonin can spike your blood pressure if you take more than what is recommended. If you already have high blood pressure, then you should talk to your doctor before taking melatonin.
Who Should Avoid Melatonin?
If you have any of the medical problems listed below, you should consult with a medical professional before taking melatonin:
If you take blood thinners or medication to lower your blood pressure
If you have diabetes or a seizure disorder
If you’ve had an allergic reaction in the past
If you are taking any drugs that suppress your immune system or have a bleeding disorder
If you have dementia or depression
If you take other drugs which could cause drowsiness
Also, if you take melatonin, you should avoid overconsuming alcohol since it can reduce melatonin effectiveness.
A Functional Melatonin?
There is an alternative to just melatonin that you can take. AloeCure has created a unique blend of melatonin and collagen that is also supplemented with Aloe that is a low dosage (3 mg) capsule that will help support a good night's sleep while also promoting hair, skin, and joint health. It's non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and Keto, and Paleo-friendly. Get a good night’s sleep and enjoy your day!