Have you used melatonin to help you sleep?

What is melatonin, and why is it often referred to as the 'sleep hormone'? 

Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally by a small gland in your brain called the pineal gland. It's often associated with regulating our sleep patterns and helping us fall asleep.

Our bodies have an internal clock known as the circadian rhythm. As daylight fades, the pineal gland releases melatonin into the bloodstream, signalling that it's time to wind down.

Melatonin helps us transition into a restful state, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

Sometimes, factors like shift work, jet lag, or other factors can disrupt our natural melatonin production.

This is where melatonin supplements come into play. Intended for short-term use, these supplements can help align your sleep patterns and alleviate temporary sleep disturbances. 

However, melatonin supplements all contain a synthetic version of melatonin and prolonged use could actually be making your sleep problems worse. Prolonged use of synthetic melatonin can send signals to your body that it no longer needs to produce its own melatonin, leaving you more and more dependent on the supplement (and in a higher dose) to obtain adequate sleep. 

Whether natural or supplemented, a good night's sleep is vital for our overall well-being. Prioritize healthy sleep habits, create a calming bedtime routine, and stay consistent to improve your sleep naturally.  

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