Is it bad to take melatonin?
Melatonin and Sleep? Good questions. Everyone has had a tough time sleeping at one time or another in their life. Have you ever been tempted to try melatonin? We weren’t sure what the story was about Melatonin. So we researched some articles on it.
Here’s what we found:
What is Melatonin? Mia Finkelston, MD, a board-certified family physician explains;
“Melatonin is a hormone that is produced by the pineal gland (a small gland that is located in the brain), and it helps to regulate our sleep cycle”
So, although Melatonin comes in the form of a natural vitamin/pill supplement it is actually created in our brains naturally. For this reason, it seems most physicians believe that it’s relatively safe for short term use.
Melatonin isn’t recommended for those under 20 years old, or for those whom are breastfeeding or pregnant. Finkelston recommends consulting with your physician before taking Melatonin, as there can be a number of side effects such as dizziness, irritability, headaches, feeling sleepy during the daytime, slight depression, and in some cases stomach cramps.
Experts recommend
“Don’t rely on melatonin solely to fix your issues in the long term,” says wellness coach Kaitlyn Noble. “While melatonin is perfectly safe and can provide relief, it’s important to investigate why your body isn’t falling asleep naturally if it’s chronic.
However, not everyone is sold on the merit’s of Melatonin and sleep, nor agree that taking it is a good thing. Some experts say, if you’re taking Melatonin, then you’re are using hormone therapy. Hormone therapy is a very complicated topic rife with detrimental health consequences when used carelessly.
“Administering hormones can actually shut off our body’s hormonal negative feedback loop.
It’s like heating a room by a space heater and the furnace shuts off because it isn’t needed.”
Where is the Evidence?
A nutritional blog called the “Butter Believer” – the author, Emily, goes as far to say that Melatonin is a “scam”. Emily references the fact that there’s virtually no bonafide scientific evidence to conclude that Melatonin actually works. She suggest the “evidence” that is available, actually may be propaganda perpetuated by those who stand to gain by the sales of Melatonin.
Yeah…we’re not going to touch this one. Good or bad, you decide. But hopefully you are a bit more informed about Melatonin and the potential benefits & risks. Whatever you do, CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TAKING MELATONIN – or anything else for that matter.
What do we know? We know that our Fawcett mattresses have helped hundreds of people sleep better and get more rest at night. Now that’s all right!
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